New steering rack???
 

My 2007 E350 was recently vandalized. Contaminated fuel tank and both passenger side tires. After waiting 6 months for my insurance co/ mechanic to finish, they advise me I need a new steering rack. They say it’s due to normal wear and tear. Prior to this incident my steering was NOT problematic at all. No leaks, no odd noises when turning and no stiffness to the wheel. No indication of any steering issues. Lastly, when my car was initially damaged it was parallel parked between two cars on a slight uphill grade with curbed tires. It was towed by a flatbed. Is it plausible that my steering rack could have been damaged in the 6 months time beginning with the day it was towed up until now where it remains in the shop? Realizing my car has approx 120k miles on it and bc I have been waiting so long I’m inclined to pay it, but........What would you do?