Is there any way of checking if my rack is soon to byte the dust. When changing the oil I noticed that the rack dust boot was split on the passenger side of the car, I do not have an idea how long it was like that .
Appreciate any suggestions..

jack the front of the car up, lock the steering wheel, and move the front wheels in the turning direction. If the steering wheel doesn't move, and the wheel feels like it has play, and there is no movement in the outboard tie-rod ends, and it looks like the steering rod is moving into the rack and the steering wheel still doesn't move.....then it's time to replace it. If it's not, then just toss some new boots on, lube it up, and check every year there after.

You can also extend the rack out on that side, grab it with your hands and see if it moves up and down. Do this with the tires off the ground, car in the air, otherwise it would just bounce around. Check the left side as well, ( by the way always say left and right, could be a right hand drive car for all we know, just common practice,) and if you find play on that side, adjust the rack and pinion. Also look at the ball joints, strut rod bushings, rack mount bushings, loose wheel bearings.. Along with tie rods, all this can contribute to play in the front end.

Thanks for info folks..looks like my weekend will be busy.. John