Drive Train Axles Bearings problem
1996 Chrysler LHS 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 120000 miles
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When I steer the car makes a nasty popping/creeking noise that sounds like it is coming from the center steering rack area. Upon inspection it appears that the steering rack is making some noise internallyy and that the bushings may be shot or very close to being shot. also it appears that one of the bushings to the subframe is very worn. During my inspection of these problems, I also found that the passenger side axle shaft has some play at the stub axle. My main question is how much movement, if any, is there supposed to be at the stub axel? The axle shaft seems ok, but i suppose it could be faulty as well, but feels tight by hand. the stub axle seems to have quite a bit of play. A combination of worn steering and frame bushings and the possible faulty stub axle bearing seems to be the cause for this popping/creeking sound. Are LHS steering racks a known problem and how important is it to fix it?