testing tie rods by hand? and visual inspection

[omodos]

hi all have a 3.0d e53 2004, at 47000miles went for the bi-annual test and the engineer told me that my front bushings need replacing at next service (trust the guy as he is a family friend) can anyone tell me firstly if it is this part number off the realoem site? 31126769715 part 7 in the diagram

secondly since i am doing this is there anyway of telling if the chopsticks needs changing?i remember seeing a good post with pics but i cannot find post, and read that you can visually inspect them for leaks at the rubber boot area, and also if you can shake them by hand whilst the car is on the ground they need replacing???


bushings at 47000 going can it have something to do with totally pot holed filled roads out here?


thanks in advance for any feedback