PS rack leaking again, and weird movement

[tomc_85.5_944]

Resealed the rack about a year ago, had some issues with getting a seal in backwards. Got it reinstalled, and now is has started leaking out the drivers side again, which I am guessing is the seal that I replaced earlier going bad due to the multiple installations.

BUT, I noticed when I was moving the wheels from underneath the car, there was a mm or two of VERTICAL movement in the splined rod that connects to the tie rods. I assume that is why the seal wore out, but I don't know why there is vertical movement. From what I can recall, everything inside the rack was in good shape. I did drive the car for a few months with no power steering, but fluid in the system. Could the strain of no power assist have done something inside the rack to account for the vertical movement, or is there something else? Hate to order new stuff and go through the hassle of installation if it is going to do the same thing again, but sooner...