Steering wheel play in Stratus

I've noticed recently about an inch or so of play in the steering wheel of
my '02 Stratus, with 133K on the clock.

Hopefully I will be getting it in the shop soon to be checked out, but is
this always a sign that the rack is going, or could it be something less
extensive (and expensive), such as bearings or even something needing
tightening? The car handles and drives fine otherwise. Inner tie-rods were
replaced about two years ago.

Thanks.

 

tie rods, rack bushings and bolts......i found 2 rack bolts loose this
weekend, and possibly the steering link connecting the steering column to
the rack.


getting any noise?

 

No noise.

This is weird: this morning, the play was gone! Everything seemed nice and
tight. It's been over 100 degrees here lately; that shouldn't have affected
it. Or whatever was funky straightened itself out.

It's going in for inspection and alignment check this weekend. We'll see
what gets found. The shop is pretty good with diagnostics.

Thanks for the reply.