So I failed my maine state inspection.
One of the reasons given was a loose/worn front passenger inner tie rod end.
So I ordered up a pair of inner tie rod ends (figured while I'm in there I'd do both) and I get the steering rack out, and lo and behold both inner tie rod ends are fine with zero play.
However, there *is* play from the rest of the rack- oh no!
you can see in the far right, the inner tie rod end ball joint- its fine. Direct center of the picture you can see one rod going into another, this is the part thats under the boot usually, and slides in and out of the main steering rack as you turn the wheel. The whole thing is a little loose, and I'm guessing that's why they failed me.
Now, I can't find any information on this part or how to fix it. Do I need to replace my entire steering rack? (gulp!)
I found an off reference to someone replacing some plastic bushing inside their steering rack, could that be what I need? Where would I find the part?