GM W body steering rack question

The car in question is a 2007 Pontiac Gran Prix with 3800 v6.

The rack is loose in it's mounts on the frame, most noticeably on the driver's side. Its not leaking and the inner tie rod ends feel ok. The owner said that rack was replaced a few years ago. She was quoted by a shop to have the rack replaced again for big bucks $$$$, along with some other stuff, that it does seem to need. So, mainly my question is : Is there some known problem with these relating to the rack coming loose that would require changing out the rack, or was it just poor workmanship the last time around? It seems that there is a replaceable bushing on the passenger side, but not the driver side.

I told her that I could do all the other stuff, and tighten down the rack and replace the one bushing for about half of what she was quoted. (And use premium parts, not the Autozone crap that the other shop seems to have been using ).

I recall from my Impala days a few people reporting the mount breaking off the rack. So the bolt was tight but the rack was no longer attached to it. That and the cradle/subframe bolts frequently come loose. Best I can do.

Had the same issue with my DD, 1995 Buick LeSabre, 3800 V6. Just put locktite on the bolts and tighten them them.

Not sure why the rack was changed, unless something got damaged.

Thanks for the responses guys, I'll have to go back a double check to make sure its no broken, but ill bet that its not.

The left side is the one that actually holds the rack in place laterally. The right one has some leeway.

I've seen the mounts break off of the subframe, but mostly on N-bodies.

check bushings too, i've seen them worn out with enough play that my rack moved laterally.

the shop that did the trans in my wife's buick broke the rack at the mount trying to get it off too, so not sure how common that is but check it anyway. unfortunately it's there getting another new rack as the one they put in has leaked from the seals since day one.