Yes Yes , while under my J30 tackling this very kind of work or diagnostic , I ALWAYS blast WD or a good Silicone on my 'single ' steering shaft ' u-joint ( and I of late DON"T use WD much do to other chemicals are out there with better specific features) . Some steering shafts also may have two little u-joints by adding a short 'intermediate shaft in the 'mix' .
I'll have helper turn 'lock - lock' (gently @ the full stops now! ) , while I spray Liberally (
) , then w/fluffy terry-towel give a wrap & a squeeze gets the excess - but leaves a smooth-acting u-joint.
Same with inspecting the rack teeth - clean enough ? enough grease on it ? For THAT is basis NOW to go and do your pre-load adj. JUST BE SURE TO MARK YOUR INITIAL POSITION.........TO BE ABLE TO GO BACK TO
p.s. Dont be afraid if you may like slightly looser OR slightly tighter pre-load...it's subjective to exactly what will make you comfortable with alleviating the stiffness , the CONSTANT CORRECTIONS needed , and the hysteresis ( it OVERSHOOTS and you go back a few degrees to constantly be 'on top of ability to control' ) , ............................Now ....ALL THAT IS ..........PRELOAD
reminder= grease ANY outer tie-rod ball joints , IF there