[DML] Steering Rack Enigma?

["Rustproof" <Rustproof@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I just received a set of steering rack boots from England (Thanks Martin!) and will probably install them this evening. There's nothing wrong with my current rack other than some accidental damage to one boot that occurred at a now infamous alignment chain shop. I want to make a complete inspection while under there.  However, after looking through the archives, I found that many racks on many cars with EXTREMELY low mileage have become "loose" or have exhibited excessive play. How can this be? What actually happens to the rack of a car that is used so little? Surely the gears are not wearing out by themselves. Has anyone actually looked at some of these low mile racks to determine the specific cause of the failure? Is it something a shim or two might fix? Is something deteriorating or shrinking? Should there be any play at all in a properly assembled unit? 
Thanks.
Rustproof 
Vin 1559


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