Excessive steering wheel play or movement that doesn't turn the wheels without turning the steering wheel further in that direction is a common symptom of a rack and pinion going bad.
Other symptoms of a rack and pinion that is going bad are power steering fluid leaks, burned oil smell, noise when turning your steering wheel and even a heavy or tight feeling steering wheel can all mean that your power steering rack and pinion are going bad or has gone bad.
Rack and pinions will have to be replaced and can't be repaired so be prepared to replace it with a new one with a cost of $400.00 to $1,000.00.