The steering play arose within the last four weeks?
If so, there's something wrong here for a steering rack doesn't suddenly
get worn. I'd suggest a second opinion, especially at those prices!

I owned a 210 for ten years and felt that the steering was sensitive as
is appropriate for a "sports sedan" but was squirrelly when the front
wheels' toe-in was out of adjustment. Then the car seemed to track first
to one side then the other as irregularities in the road bed put added
pressure first on one side (wheel) then the other.

Also, worn tires make any car less stable for they follow grooves in the
roadway. Conversely, overinflated tires make the steering faster than
normal and make it feel loose.

That's really expensive for the repair job. I would get second opinion
before I decide on anything. I have never known a steering rack to be that
expensive.

I would also get your UK car safety government agency involved. I know in UK
warranty is quite small in term of years and mileage...

Hello:

      Hell of a price we sell ours (various makes and models) for between
$65 and $125 Canadian, we have some with 350,000 kms on them and still
working well. Don't have a Chilton motors manual, it shows flat rates for
remove and reinstall (re & re), if someone does they could give you a labour
estimate.

                                                                           
                                                                           
                         Don Sparks
                                                                           
                                                                           
            Blacky's Auto Recycling Ltd.

Hello Again:

 Looking up prices, brand new installed is about $3200 Canadian (no wonder
we do such good business) our Mitchell Manual says about 2.7 hrs. R&I
(remove & reinstall), WOW. Hope this is helpful and not confusing.

                                                    Don