How Can I Confirm Steering Rack Needs Replacement?

[Robert Coats]

I think my '91 C4 needs a new steering rack, but how I can tell for sure?

History: Steering started to feel stiff last summer and the wheel would not return to center without effort. I flushed the fluid, and normal steering feel returned. When inspecting the rack last summer, I noticed the boots had split, but saw no evidence or leaking, damage or any other problems.

Last week, the stiffness returned, and after a few flushings, it seems to only get a tiny bit better. Still having problems with the wheel returning to center without effort. Also noticed a minor groan/grunt when turning the wheel every once in a while, maybe about 30% of the turns, when the wheel is turned more than 90 degrees.

So, I'm starting to think the rack is dying, but want to verify this before I plunk down $400+ and invest time in R&R'ing the old one.

Again, anybody know how to verify the rack needs replacement?

[jhhaas]

Mine leaked (hemmoraged). It would not hold fluid at all when I finally replaced it. Moaning sounds more like low fluid to me.