1998 Q with steering issues

[oldtimerinAtlanta]

First time question. Previously replaced knock sensors with information from this forum. Great stuff. Steering stiff and seems to stick at various points but not all. Seems to get a little better when warmed up. Fluid fine, belt fine, no leaks. Had the rack and the pump replaced less than two years ago, maybe 20k miles. Mechanic used reman parts, which I always mistrust. Q45 repair CD says attach a pressure gauge and go through their analysis. Anyone try this approach? Also have seen conversation about the u-joints drying out. Sure would appreciate some advice.

[BadQ45t]

Did he do the tension rods at the same time? It might not be the specific issue you have now but they are shot if original. You have little choice but to go with reman on steering rack, the question is the quality of those. Some are very high, others are JUNK. I had one that I put in my Z about 10 years about and it has been completely solid, also reman. I had one in a used Maxima and it busted fluid after only 2 years.

Make sure those tension rods are replaced, you can either do the rubber bushings or a whole new assembly. Also if your on original shocks, those are toast too.

[oldtimerinAtlanta]

Haven't done the tension rods, but they are indeed toast, and on my list. Didn't realize I could do just the bushings. Shocks have been replaced, once. I'm not leaking fluid, so I still have a question about what actually needs fixing. Still curious about those u-joints.