So yesterday I replaced the rack and pinion and now the steering is much much stiffer. It's not completely shot its just that when I turn the wheel more force is necessary than before. Now my question is what checks can I do to see if the rack is bad or to diagnose a new part failure?

Before all of this my only problems were the rack making noise when the wheel was turned and the ball joints were shot. All of these parts have been replaced and the steering all of a sudden is stiff.

any help?? please and thank you