before changing the power steering rack , try replacing the steering > knuckle. >
> It connects the steering column to the rack
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I appreciate the advice. Unlike many horror stories, this one has a very nice ending. I lifted the car and slid underneath only to find a junked heat shield jammed under the steering column. This was casuing the dangerous steering condition. I yanked the scrap out and gave it a quick once over for damages. 5 min. later things were back to normal. My gf was going to just drive it to a garden variety mechanic and ask what was wrong... Good thing we didn't get to that...
I can just see the bill now... CV boot (L/R), universal joint, steering rack with knuckle... drain and refill..... anyway.... it's all good now -- thanks to all that helped out.
Andrew.