loose steering help

[shmain]

I used to have a squeeky power steering belt. Ever since I tightened the belt slightly to stop the squeek, the steering itself has gotten looser. I doubt the 2 problems are connected. Regardless, my steering is incredibly loose and lifeless. I can do a lot of shuffling without actually turning the car while driving and going into a corner, I kind of just have to guess how much to turn. Could it be a bad bushing? What can I do to greatly improve steering response and stiffness?

[Mikester]

- Tie rods
- Tension rods/bushings
- LCA's/ball joints/bushings
- sway bar/bushings/end links
- steering rack bushings
- steering column bushing
- New tires/alignment

Take your pick- they all work to tighten up the steering in some way or form

[shmain]

well, to be more specific, there is no vibrating in the wheels, the controls arms and tie rods are fine, alignment is not the problem, tread wear is even and tires are all normally inflated, its more of while driving in a straight line, movement of the steering wheel doesnt do anything, there is about 5-10 degress of turning the steering wheel before the wheels turn.
my guesses are bad bushings (the car wanders all over the road), bad rack gears (constantly moving the wheel to keep it straight, bad bushings etc.

Is this acurate?
What should I be looking for?
Anything in specific that could cause all of these problems?

[Kallixtos]

In stock form, it will usually have some play. I've replaced all the items Mikester listed. They all contribute to a bit more solid feeling steering. I felt a big difference after replacing the steering rack bushings.