I am not a fan of the loose steering in the a33 maxima, I have compiled a list of fixes mods so far.
Solid steering column bushing
new tie rod ends
rack guide screw tightening

How much have these mods helped? Has anyone swapped in a different rack with a closer lock to lock ratio? Anyone removed the steering rack limiters under the boots?

 

I think the SE has a different steering rack from the rest with more sporty ratios. Perhaps you could look into swapping if you don't have an SE.

Edit: Actually I know for a fact the SE rack is different, I just don't know by how much or whatever.

 

I have a gle with a manual swap in the works.

 

My advice: change out your steering rack while the tranny is out of the car. It is a huge pain in the ***, but if your rack isn't leaking now, it will soon. Since you are looking in to tightening up your steering anyway, swap in an SE rack as well as inner and outer tie rods. If your steering still doesn't feel good, then try to mod the steering rack or whatever. My bet is you will be happy with an SE steering rack.

 

I have new Moog inner and outer tie rod ends in my 2k3 SE. There's nothing loose about it.

 

Often, the steering feels loose because of poor alignment.

 

Is this true of 2002/2003 5.5gen maximas or just 5th gens? I tried doing some research but it looks like gle and se are the same for 5.5gens, unless anyone can point me in the right direction I cannot find any differences in steering ratios.

 

You know, I am not sure. After looking around a bit myself, it looks like all models for the 5.5 gen share a rack. Another option would be to see if the SER spec-v rack will fit without much modification and install that.

 

Same assembly for all models according to these guys:

https://www.nissanpartsdeal.com/part...492_A001,49001

 

So I went on rock auto and checked the steering racks for a 2002. According to Cardone, the gxe rack has a lock to lock ratio of 2.94 as opposed to 2.63 of the GLE/SE of the same year. It would seem you do have the best steering rack offered. Still, I would check and see if there is any fluid in your tie rod boots and replace if necessary.