I seem to have (and have had!) a little play in my steering rack. There is no play in any on the tie rod ends (inner or outer). If I lift the front of the car I can move both wheels slightly if I grab them at 3 and 9 O'clock.

I took the car in to have this confirmed at a local shop and they agreed. The mechanic found the rack is not adjustable, and basically said it was safe enough if it didn't bug me. This was over a year ago.

I have been doing some other work on the car and sort of re-engaged this problem. The play seems about the same (maybe a little worse?) than before.

My question is, at what point should I REALLY become concerned about this? I don't like feeling any looseness in the front end, but then I'm not so thrilled with the idea of replacing the the rack.

The car has about 146,000 miles on it and has been well cared for (other than this!) and basically is a member of the family!

Any thoughts or advice would be much appreciated.