Seems as though the rack bushing must have excessive wear to allow that much movement of the rack assembly.Even if the fluid would dampen it,I'm not sure that much play would be optimal for steering feel and precision.
Got any more spares?
I need to pop that boot off and take a look, but my fear is you are right. Nope, no more spares. Too bad I didn’t have the tools to rebuild a rack myself. I have a perfectly good rack with a broken housing sitting here.
if I replace the rack...my 6 hours of bunp steering the car was all for nothing