A technician observes excessive play in the inner tie rod. What does this indicate?

Excessive play in the inner tie rod typically indicates a problem with the tie rod's condition, which can affect vehicle handling and safety. This play suggests that there is wear or damage within the inner tie rod assembly, compromising its ability to maintain proper steering alignment and support. Therefore, replacing the inner tie rod is necessary to restore steering precision and ensure safe vehicle operation.

While other options may address related components or maintenance tasks, they do not directly correspond to the symptoms described. For instance, lubricating the tie rod ends might be useful for maintaining joints, but it would not resolve the issue of excessive play indicative of internal wear. Checking the steering rack for realignment or inspecting the outer tie rod for damage could be part of a broader diagnostic approach, but these actions would not directly address the inner tie rod's evident failure necessitating its replacement.