Toyota: Corolla steering wheel freeplay

I have a 94 Corolla, 150k mi. I recently noticed alot of freeplay in
my steering wheel that was non existent when i got the car (3k
mi.ago). I can turn the steering wheel about two inches to the right
or left without the tires moving. This is especially evident the
faster I drive and on bumpy roads.

Got it checked out and the mechanic said a leak in my power steering
hose is dripping on the rack and pinion causing the freeplay in the
steering wheel. The mechanic charged me $57 for the power steering
hose and $60 for labor to replace it and told me to get the rack and
pinion cleaned at a detail shop and that it would improve the problem.
Even though the mechanic said the condition of the bushings looked
good, he still said it would be a good idea to take them off and clean
the inner part of the rubber but added that it would be best to
replace them because the leakage could have make them weaker.

In retrospect,the power steering fluid wouldn't even mark on the meter
of the power steering cap when I bought it, 3k mi ago. I added fluid
3k mi. ago and the level is still full.

Anybody have any advice on what to do? Is this a good mechanic?

Thanx in Advance,
Miguel C.

Check your tie rod ends. Even if they were good 3000 miles ago they
can still be bad now.