I have a 96 civic ex with 194k miles. recently the steerings started to feel looser. it's still very drivable, but I want to do something about it before it gets worse. I thought the tie rod ends might be going bad but I looked at them they looked pretty ok from what I can tell. see pic.

Also, I have busted steering rack boots, which I've been meaning to replace but I've been lazy. One side has been broken for a while, probably a year, the other side I found when I checked the tie rods. Could this be the cause of the loose steering? And how bad is it to drive around with the boots busted open? Could there be bad damage to the steering rack or do people drive around with them busted all the time?

Thanks.

 

Make sure there is no slop in the inner tie rod ends. Having the boots torn allows crap to get into the joint and can wear if out.

If you're replacing boots, you have to disassemble the tie rods, so it may be worth your while to put all new parts in. And you'll need an alignment either way you go.