Nissan Repair: Loose steering on Nissan Sentra, tie rod ends, inner tie rod

Question
Hi Calvin

I have a 1998 Nissan Sentra which was recently towed.. and I don't think they handled it too well, and the car was chained at the front during the tow... when I got it back, the steering seemed quite loose, and the wheel does not turn significantly for the first 50 to 70 degrees of turning the steering wheel... what could possibly be the reason for this..
Thanks!!

Answer
Hi Viks -

Do you know if the car was towed with the front wheels on the ground, or the rear?

Lift the vehicle until the front wheels are off the ground. Grasp the sides of each front wheel and try to move it side to side. If there is excessive play while doing this, try checking the tie rod ends, or the steering linkage. If the play is coming from within the steering rack, it could be the inner tie rod end, or the rack itself.

Have a competent mechanic check it out. PLease get back to me with the results.

Hope this helps -'
aloha
calvin