SInce i got this car about three years ago, there has been a bit of a dead spot at 12 o clock position in the steering wheel. I just got around to really trying to ferret it out, and replaced compression arms, lower control arms, ball joints, tie rod inner and outers, and upper control arms, as well as sway bar links. There has been great improvement in that it tracks straight still even over hard bumps, but that steering wheel play is still there.

I had someone wiggle the wheel while looking at the U-joint in the steering column, and it does seem like it is tight. It moves with the little plastic cap but the wheels don't begin to engage until the steering wheel is out of that dead zone. It also wanders and the steering wheel shakes slightly at speeds over 60- 70 mph. Is there anything else I should rule out before i go ahead and replace the rack? I am pretty sure that's it after reading posts on here and g35 forums, but any input would be appreciated.

 

Yep- it sounds like you need a new steering rack...