Inner tie rod or rack and pinion?

I’ve been getting an increasing clunk (audible and also a feeling in the steering wheel and brake/accelerator pedals) when moving the steering wheel, and an occasional pop sound. I’ve been trying to troubleshoot. I don’t see any play in the ball joints or outer tie rod, although I haven’t yet disconnected the tie rod to check the inner.

But today I jacked it up and was able to get some sound by pushing the tire in from side to side with the steering unlocked—there is no actual play (when the steering is locked it doesn’t move), the sound came as the wheel would turn some. This sound appeared to be coming from the rack and pinion. However, the sound only happens when pushing on one side.

I wasn’t sure if it was the inner tie rod ventriloquist’ing to the centre or if that’s not possible and instead I definitely need rack and pinion work.

Any thoughts?

 

How many miles are on the car?

 

168,000, assuming original parts.

 

Might be time to start replacing bushings in the front end

 

If bushings are the issue, is it something of concern to drive on?

 

I don't know enough about the 6 to say if all of the components are captive in the event of complete bushing failure

 

I wonder if this is the issue. Basically the telescoping portion of the steering wheel needs regreasing. Easy enough to check.



Edited with shorter video.

 

That’s so funny … it seems to have worked

I was just about to take it to a garage because I have other not-small things to do on this car and two other cars and I didn’t want yet another issue. I only drove around the block but normally I would have heard thumps just reversing out of my driveway, and I didn’t hear anything at all.