Recently replaced both tie rod assemblies as I noticed there was play in the front wheels in 3 and 9 o-clock direction and I could visibly see the tie-rods moving as I rocked the wheels. Now after new Lemförder tie rods the play is still there, although I noticed one of the inner rubber boot was cracked so it was good to replace them anyway. And atleast the tie rods can now be ruled out as the cause.
Now I'm wondering is the play coming from the steering rack itself or could the steering u-joint be causing it? With the front of the car lifted, while turning the steering wheel side to side, there is some slight initial looseness in the steering with simultaneous small clunking noise. It sounds like the noise is coming around the steering column or steering shaft and can be heard inside the cabin. Also, with only one front wheel lifted and while rocking the wheel side-to-side, the u-joint also moves.
Can you tell from this whether it is the steering rack or the u-joint causing the play? Of course could be that the both are bad.
