I raised front wheels and I tried to rock them back and forth in all directions and they are not loose at all.
Rack and pinion I tested when vehicle was still and engine off. When I’m moving steering wheel I can hear knocking which I hear when I drive over bumps. I’m more than positive that knock comes from rack and pinion.

I think I should replace end link first and later investigate a steering problem.

What is the way to test struts?