For the past few months now, the steering feels "loose" on my 190,000 mile 89 GXE. Anyone have any experience with this? Is there a kit I can buy that will tighten the steering back up? Is there a set of part numbers to request at the Nissan dealer to cure this? Do I replace bushings or some kind of control arms? Is my power steering pump pooped out?

 

after 190K...it could be ANYTHING.
pump, rack bushing, tie rods, worn rack..etc etc etc.

 

Could be anything, but check the tie rods first. Jack up the car and try to rock the wheel side to side. The tie rods are connected to the steering rack and should have no play. Alternatively I suppose you could have someone inside the car try to move the steering wheel (with the key in so it doesn't lock) while the wheels are stationary or on the ground. If you have the car jacked up you should probably inspect the rest of the suspension too, even if just visually, and take a pry bar and see if the lower balljoints have any play.

If all else fails, maybe some shop will do free inspection? Good luck.