So my engine isn't technically misfiring anymore after changing plugs and wires, but there's still this general lack of power no one can explain.
I noticed over a year ago when I got the rack & pinion and one outer tie rod end replaced that whenever accelerating or attempting to I'd feel a slight lack of responsiveness and also hear what sounded like dirt/sand being kicked up or circulating somewhere from the front end.
Last Monday I took my car to get inspected and failed because apparently both inner tie rods had too much play and I also needed new front pads. So I took him to my mechanic who found the other outer tie rod that wasn't previously replaced was also shot. So he did both inners, the one outer, front pads and resurfaced front rotors for me as well. Mechanic did say that when he did the inners and removed the dust boots, they had fluid in them and showed me a photo - so we don't know if the 'new' rack is leaking or what.

Well, taking my car home Monday night it felt nearly perfect - not even pulling to any side the slightest bit (though not having been aligned). I even swear that the car felt like he had all of his boost and responsiveness back and literally felt like-new.
I took the car back to the inspection facility (which is just a small shop at a Shell gas station nearby) and he passed inspection. Fast forward to this morning, I've slowly felt the car getting back to the previous not-so-responsive state and that stupid dirt/sand sound when under acceleration. (actually, Saturday afternoon after the inspection I drove to the shooting range with my boyfriend and when we were getting ready to leave found us a nice CEL : cylinder #4 was misfiring and you could hear it when we got home and parked in the driveway- which the code and misfire has since gone away but I've got my eyes peeled in case it happens again)
Anyhow- this morning I had to get off the highway before I even got to work because of all the noise coming from the front end that I was feeling in the steering column as well. Was going to have the car towed to the shop when my mechanic suggested I check if my front wheels were loose and sure enough...front left wheel: ALL lugs were loose AF and I tightened them the best I could and got on my way to work.

That inspection shop's mechanic nearly got my arse potentially killed.

Anyway...it's been a week since I had the tie rods done and it felt perfect then with smooth responsiveness, and now I have this flying dirt noise and lack of response/boost again. I also feel like the p/s pump might be whining a slight bit so I have to check if it's low again (I have had to top it off maybe twice last year).

Can anyone explain how this is happening or even possibly connected? Because I can't and I'm so tired of my car just not feeling 100%.