Steering Rack Loose?

[smos1]

Due to a timing belt failure I'm into a engine swap project, 96 B4V...thanks to Annieneff for helping...
I wanted to do a couple things while the engine bay was empty. One of which was tie rods. While moving the tie rods all the way in and out, to one side or the other I could feel a "bounce" at the end. The car has always had a loose feel to it. I've replace control arm bushings and the outer tie rods but didn't make a huge difference.
If the rack is bad, now would be the time to replace it. But if it's not bad I'd just as soon leave it alone.

thanks

 

[ToddA1]

Are the inner tie rods able to support their weight or do they need Viagra? If limp, I'd replace the inner tie rods, before I replaced the rack.

If you fully extend the rack (both directions), there shouldn't be any play within the housing.

-Todd

 

[smos1]

I've replaced the inner tie rods, but as I was going through the process, I would pull the rods which would fully extend the rack both ways. When the rack was fully extending, I could feel a kind of bounce/wiggle/play in it. Would this be considered loose?
Right now the engine is not in the car, so it would be a good time to replace, if I could find one soon enough.

 

[Campbellonh]

Check the rubber liner at the rack mount too. Mine was worn and cracking. That caused a bit of play and probably a couple of unnecessary tie rod replacements before I caught on. If you do that, replace the bolts too, and don't forget to torque them properly.