Steering rack question on 4000q, got the shakes

[griz]

   For some time now I have had a shake/shimmy in the steering.
I found some 'play' where tie rods connect to the rack, called 
the "carrier" p/n 811 419 325 D in the family album. I can 
lift/rotate the carrier about a 1/4 inch. 

Is this normal???

Would this cause the high speed shakes (45mph +) ?

  For some good news: I passed my first emissions test and I didn't even
study.

Results were:
	High Speed
        HC (ppm)     12        over 220 fails
        CO  (%)    0.03        over 1.2 fails
        CO2 (%)    14.3        
        O2  (%)    0.80        

	Low Speed
        HC (ppm)     17        over 220 fails
        CO  (%)    0.04        over 1.2 fails
        CO2 (%)    14.3        
        O2  (%)    0.80

Is this good besides the fact of passing ? Inspector was astonished.

One problem down, a few dozen to go.
Dennis