Binding in steering and Red paint on screw heads

[Thrasher]

Ok, maybe this is a completely noob question, but what is that red paint indicating on the screw heads? Does it mean they were locktited?

I'm trying to get the sleeve clamp loose on the steering rack column and man those suckers are tight. It's not helping that the GD A/C evaporator is dead in the way.

It's the "A" in this pic:



Bentley says they should only be 18 ft-lb and I wouldn't be surprised if they've never been touched since the factory. And, there is no corrosion anywhere in the area.

I'm getting a binding up in the area and just releasing the u-joint clamp hasn't helped (I also lubed both of them - a real fun job!). I have rack spacers and the car is at euro height. I don't think it's tie rods or ball joints because they're relatively new.

It really sounds like things are getting loaded up and then clunking to relieve the pressure. I really only noticed it when I was backing up in my turnaround driveway, but I can re-create the sound with the car not moving and turning the steering wheel a full turn in either direction.