i've been reading posts about people having noises from their steering colum. kinda a whinding/rubbing noise when turning th wheel when parked. Well I thought it was the steerig wheel column and lubed were I thought. but didn't help.. Then on a whim and reading another post, I checked the tie-rod end..
Turns out, the drier's side boot, I could peel back a bit and expose the joint and it was totally dry!

So I sprayed some silicone lube in there and it cured the noise.. So I then tried to stuf some rgular old grease into the joint, since it doesn't have a zert on the joint.

Ok, my question is, 'cause I'm a new 2000 A6 owner. should I replace the tie rod end completely? Is it necessary or will it be just fine making sure the boot is nice a greased up?

If I need to replace it, is it hard to do? I've replaced tie-rod ends on a honda civic without too much of a headache. and the exposure f them to work on doesn't look too bad. Should I do it or leave it to the pros?

Thanks!