Auto Parts: subaru liberty steering rack parts, pinion units, subaru liberty

Question
I was wondering if there are replacement parts for the steering rack in a 92 subaru liberty because there is play in the steering.

Answer
    Unlike recirculating-ball steering, or plain old worm-and-sector steering, the gears in a rack&pinion unit rarely develop enough play to be noticeable at the steering wheel.  Almost all R&P units that are replaced are replaced because they are leaking.  Rack and pinion units are, because they offer such a direct connection between the road wheels and the steering wheel, mounted to the chassis via soft rubber bushings.  The bushings are designed to absorb the shocks from bumps and other obstacles to smooth travel (hitting the curb, for instance).  What happens is that these bushings begin to deteriorate over time, allowing the R&P unit to move around, which is manifested as a lack of response at the steering wheel.  There are also, usually (in production cars) shock-absorbing devices incorporated into the steering column connecting the steering wheel to the R&P unit.  My guess is that one or the other of these is the source of your problem, not the rack itself.  Parts for the actual R&P unit are almost impossible to obtain, being mostly limited to the rebuilding industry.  Like A/C compressors, most repairs to these units require tools and expertise that are too expensive for the ordinary, or even extraordinary mechanic to justify buying.  Especially since rebuilt R&P units are so cheap.