TDI Tie Rod or Steering Gear

[greennike]

I recently chaced my brakes and rotors on my '01 Jetta and as usual checked for any play in the wheels. On my front driver's side, I could "shake" the wheel (movement when my hands are in the 9 an 3 position, not when in the 12 and 6 position) Normally that means an inner tie-rod is going bad. But looking up in my book, there seems to be no inner tie-rod, but a steering gear box) This seems to be a major job to replace.

My question is, does this seem to be a problem with my steering gear? If so, has anyone one ever replced this?
Pleas note that there is pretty much no shaking/shimming while driving, even at higher speeds

[boschmann]

It could be inner or outer tie rod end or play in the steering gear. Have someone move the wheel while you look at the outer tie rod, there should be no radial movement between the steering knuckle & tie rod. There is an inner joint inside the rack boot. You can pinch the boot & feel for movement if the inner rod in relation to the rack gear. If both side's tie rods seem to move together & the play is between the rack gear & pinion gear (watch the steering shaft rotation in relation to rack movement) then the rack will have to be replaced.