Do worn struts cause steering issues?

If the steering wheel has 45 degrees of play, the rack may not be secured to the frame. If this is the case, get it taken care of ASAP as this is a major safety issue.

Worn struts will not cause the problem you're describing although it is possible that a loose control arm might.

get it checked by a competent technician ASAP!

I don't remember the specifics offhand, but there is a TSB out there for early Solaras concerning one or more front springs not indexed in the strut assembly properly, resulting in a wheel that would not return to its normal position without the coaxing you are describing. This may not apply to your car, but checking service bulletins is always a critical step when diagnosing anything.

I think your rack is about to fall off.

Your description makes me wonder if the steering rack is moving from side to side.

Can it really be that serious? I've been driving it like that for about 2 years now and it has yet to get any worse.

Its not the rack, Its what's called spring wind-up, and it occurs because the spring is not rotating freely with the strut. When you turn the steering wheel, the spring winds up and jams there, causing the 45 degree effect you report. The usual cause is the top spring cap binding on the strut insulator bearing. The cure is to pull the strut out and reassemble it, ensuring the strut can rotate freely on the shaft.

Since the struts are apparently worn out, its time to replace them. If there's ANY slop/rattle in the strut insulator bearings, or the rubber looks cracked, replace them too. Have the rear shocks looked at too. You may find that the rear is adequate now, but will be too soft with new struts in the front.

Stewart DIBBS