I lift one front wheel and try the 9-3 wiggle and 6-12 wiggle test.
the front end is tight with no movement.
however
If I put the car on the ground and grab the inner/outer tie rod shaft. I can rotate the shaft about a 1/2 inch or more and see the outer tie rod moving where it is bolted to the hub. is this normal?
(both sides of the car move the same, the inner tie rods are new the outer are not)

I am trying to chase a rattle in the front end.

 

Tie rods ends as well as ball joints should have ZERO play.

 

I just got my state inspection sticker in mass and they told me the front end was tight. It must be outer tie rod replacement time.

 

I use ACCARS on eBay for my inner/outer tie rod ends. No problems yet and i have replaced inner/outer tie rod ends and ball joints on 40+ cars/trucks (Dodge 2500/3500) If you search through their online store they may have inner/outer tie rods ends and ball joint packages for the Maxima at low prices. I get inner/outer and ball joints for usually the cost of one ball joint.