I've been told recently by two seperate mechanics that my rack and pinion assembly needs immediate attention. I drive a '96 Saturn SL1 with 111k miles. However, I notice no difference in the steering at all. I notice no strang noises when I steer or anything like that. I want to know if neglecting a "bad" rack and pinion assembly can really damage my car? I really don't want to replace something for roughly $1000 if I can't notice a difference.
I have noticed some things with my car though and I wonder if the rack and pinion assembly is affecting it in any way (which I seriously doubt.) My Service Engine Soon light is on constantly (unfortunately when I arrived both times at the mechanics, it decided to turn off) and sometimes it runs very sluggish. It got to a point one day where if I pushed the pedal all the way down, the car would not go above 3500 RPM. I highly doubt that has anything to do with the rack and pinion, but is it possible? I change my oil regularly.