Bungee cord holding tie rod?

What is your question?

I had 4 new tires installed at Costco, then went to town fair tire for an alignment. They handed me a sheet of paper with tire measurements i didn't understand and wrote down "bungee cord holding tie rod, remove and return". Told me to take this paper and car to a mechanic then come back for the alignment. Now I'm wondering if the bungee cord has been there all these years i have been driving it, or if Costco put it there for some reason without telling me or if it was there before why they didn't mention it. Really i just wanted some clarity if anyone had an idea what any of this could mean, or how big a problem it might be. i have an appointment with a mechanic but earliest i can get in is 8 days from now, should i not be driving the car? Thank you for any input.

What makes this problem better or worse?

The brake light and slip indicator light now come on occasionally.

How long has your 2012 Nissan Altima had this problem?

Potentially over 3 years when i got the car, maybe a week if it was when the tires were installed