Hey guys, I have a 2000 ranger super cab and the rack makes a clicking noise when you move the steering wheel side to side, with the engine off and the key turned on, is this normal and it has alittle play in the steering wheel also.

 

Moving the steering with the engine off can pop the cap off of the reservoir.

A little play in the steering is more likely to be outer tie rod ends. I had to replace the rack in my 2000. It would be fine until it got up to operating temp, then I'd get the ability to move the steering wheel from 12 to ~2 o'clock with NO movement out of the rack. Start it up 2 hours later, perfect steering. Drive 5 miles, lots of slop.

 

The noise isn't necessarily coming from the rack & pinion. Have someone move the steering wheel back & forth while you crawl around underneath and put your hand on all the joints. Likely culprits are the inner or outer tie-rod ends, or the upper or lower ball joints. Also check the sway bar end links. they will periodically wear out/break.

 

The ball joints are fine, had them replaced less then a month ago. Sway bar end links, had the driver's side replaced when the ball joints were done and the passenger side end link is good. Greased the ball joints today and tightened up the wheel bearings and now the noise is gone. Everything else on the frontend looks good, but I do have a small clunking sound in the passenger front when go down a small speed bump or a dip in the road.