It sounds like the tie rod itself is actually the part that is shot.
The end that is on the rack side is a ball and socket joint that can
wear out.  Buying a new tie rod and installing it should fix the
problem.  We sell these for $65 and they are German and include a tie
rod end as well.  I would also replace the boot at the same time.  We
have them for $8.  The part number for the tie rod assembly is
251419803.  Let me know if I can help you further,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com

jbclem1 wrote:
> I have a 1983 Westphalia with a manual (not power) steering rack.  There's a lot of play on the passenger side, and the
> play is coming from a point just inside the rack itself, where the passenger side tie rod goes into the steering rack
> body.   I can grab the tie rod and move it up and down right at the point where it disappears into the steering rack
> body.  The tie rod end itself is fine, no play, and easy to replace if it does go bad.
>
> It doesn't look like it woud be hard to rebuilt if I could find the part(s).  And some instructions also.  Has anyone
> tried this, could someone direct me to instructions?  I know it's not that hard to find information and parts for the
> power steering racks, but the manual ones seem to be in a different category.
>
> John
>
>