Ford Repair: BUMPING NOISE WHEN TURNING SLIGHTLY, inner tie rod, cougar ls

Question
QUESTION: I have a 1989 Mercury Cougar LS with the N/A 3.8 V6. Whenever I turn the steering wheel slightly from side to side, I hear a bumpint/thumping sound. Standing outside the car and doing this, I notice that the wheels do not move in smooth unison. They kinda move in either direction in a somewhat robotic/jolting way. Also, when I roll over rough terrain or over bumps/potholes, I hear tapping that sounds like metal hitting metal or something. I should also note that when driving the car, I have to slightly fight the front end's pulling more to the left and there is about maybe an inch or play in the steering. I don't know where to start with these issues. I don't think teeth are missing from the rack because when I do turn the vehicle, it immediately goes in the intended direction. Any help would be appreciated.

ANSWER: Does your car have the variable assist power steering or not?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes, it does have speed-sensitive power steering. It's not hard to steer or anything. Just a while ago, I noticed that after turning the steering wheel far right and then getting out and trying to rock the right front tire that I was able to nudge it very slightly. Something is loose and it seems like an inner tie rod now. There aren't any fluid leaks or anything. I also noticed that with the steering wheel returned to the neutral/center position, that the passenger front tire is not as straight at driver's side.

Answer
Thank you for the great explanation of what is going on. Call around to some alignment shops. Prices greatly vary. Depending on how the wheel nudged, it could be a tie rod, or ball joint. But, there is definitely a defect in your steering. This is not good, and not really that expensive either though. Why I say that it is not good is for the safety factor. I can't express how glad I am that you mentioned the nudging the wheel.