Mine had too much play and the problem was the inner links on the center link (drag link). You replace this as an assembly including the tie rod ends. Mine did not clunk however and I don't recall it being different depending on rotation from straight. I would doubt it is the steering damper. It should not affect the play although I suppose technically it could clunk but not likely IMHO. Nglitz's technique is the best, but don't give the kid the keys... I will be interested to hear what the problem is.

Mike

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1998 C230 330,000 miles (currently dead of second failed EIS, yours will fail too, turning you into the dealer's personal human cash machine)
1988 F150 144,000 miles (leaks all the colors of the rainbow)
Previous stars: 1981 Brava 210,000 miles, 1978 128 150,000 miles, 1977 B200 Van 175,000 miles, 1972 Vega (great, if rusty, car), 1972 Celica, 1986.5 Supra