I noticed a little noise when I am parked and turn the steering left to right.
I had my cousin check it out and it turns out to be the rack and pinion. There is some movement up and down.
How big a deal is this to get fixed right now? Is there the possibility of my steering going out.
I don't notice any difference when I'm actually driving.
Money is super tight, but I don't want to risk losing my steering.

 

did u check ur tie rods? it may not be the rack itself, but possibley a 25 dollar tie rod??

 

Originally we thought it was the tie rod, but once we changed it the noise was still there.
We checked the boot, where the rack and pinion is and there was some movement up and down.

 

I noticed that I can move the steering wheel up and down just a little.

 

what kind of sound is it? is it a grinding? or is it a whining? also have you checked your PS fluid?

 

it kind of a pop, like there is slack. I can only hear it when it is sitting and I turn the steering wheel.