Symptoms of a bad steering rack?

[skydragoness]

Thought I'd pick your guys' brains

My S13 has 122k and I waited until i got it aligned to make a definitive question.Anyhow, the steering is pretty stiff when I turn to the right and lower speeds. I turned back the caster down to 7 deg or so (it was close to 8 degrees) and that hasn't affected it much. I run a conservative setup that's still within OE specs (i autocross occasionally, but haven't yet this year). Tie rods are 3yr old Tein innie/outies, new LCA's w/ new bushings, new strut mounts, new p/s pump about 2 yrs ago. It doesn't leak much p/s fluid (about once every two months I had a small amount).

Is there any definite way to tell if it's about to "go"? I'll have to get under the car again but the rack from what I remember is still dry looking. The lines could use replacing but its such a minuscule leak that I haven't been worried.

Your thoughts please..

[onosqv]

If it's dry & your fluids are good, should be fine. When they go bad, they leak - that should be the most typical way racks go bad.

Here's one thing to check (happened to me): tire pressures. The steering in the Sentra was REALLY bad - I thought it was the 17" rims w/ 235's I just installed - found out later during autox, I was way underinflated.

[skydragoness]

If it's dry & your fluids are good, should be fine. When they go bad, they leak - that should be the most typical way racks go bad.

Here's one thing to check (happened to me): tire pressures. The steering in the Sentra was REALLY bad - I thought it was the 17" rims w/ 235's I just installed - found out later during autox, I was way underinflated.

Yeah I thought that too.I check my tire pressures semi-religiously (about 3-4 times a month depending if the outside temps are really fluctuating). I run about 34-35psi all around for daily driving.

Do you watch my posts Brokeas? Or do you work for FRsport? BTW, thanks again for your recommendations a while back.. I'm luvin' my Buddy Club seat... best part... no one else who wants to drive my car can fit in it! HA!