I've got an '02 Ford Taurus with 99k miles that's got something loose in the front end but I'm not entirely sure what it is. When under moderate to hard braking there's a quick shaking in the front of the car and the steering wheel jerks in sync with the shaking. Jacked up one front wheel, left the other on the ground, and sure enough the wheel moves when pushed at 3 and 9 o'clock, but not at 12 and 6.

Any advice on where to go from here?

 

From what you have described , I would suspect tie rod ends or loose and worn parts in the rack and pinion steering assy..

Best not to drive the vehicle in that condition too long.

 

Thanks again hanky. I've gotten other advice as well to check tie rod ends and I'm assuming this means the outer TREs. But I'm wondering if I should be concerned about the inner TREs as well? Is that something that typically goes out?

The way it's tracking reminds me of how my '11 Vic was steering when the ball joints were going bad, so I'm suspecting those as well.

Besides TREs and ball joints, as well as control arm bushings, idler arm and worn rack and pinion steering components, are there any other steering/suspension parts I should ask the alignment guys to check out?

 

Rest assured if there is anything addl they can find and sell you they will try. All kidding aside, a good alignment shop will /should start with checking the air in the tires. and go from there. Why not consider getting an estimate before leaving your wallet there.. If they find more than what you suspected , fear not , they will tell you. Let's see what they suggest before jumping the gun.
If for instance, the front tires have an irregular wear pattern , that should be corrected before attempting an alignment procedure. So as you can see the $$$ can add up pretty quickly if there is a lot to correct.. Get an estimate first.