I have a 2004 Toyota Camry SE with little over 300,000 miles. There is some play in the steering and a shake above 65 mph. I've also noticed an almost rubbing noise when turning. I have messed around with the steering shaft and noticed that it seems I can turn out where it goes into the rack and pinion a good bit when it's not running. I'm guess it's the rack and pinion, which is original to the car.
With the mileage, I'm not too sure about going OEM. It probably isn't going to last another 2-300,00 miles. What would be a good rack and pinion? Would the AAE be a good option?
You might want to check tie rod ends before condemning the steering rack. I had some steering looseness a couple of years ago and it was just the outer tie rod ends. (My car is several years older and higher mileage than yours.)
@chucktobias would the tie rods account for play in the steering?
It would account for lost motion in the steering linkage. There are also inner tie rods in the rack but those are more difficult to service.