Noticed the steering getting a little vague in the center even though the tie rods and ends check out? That soft “dead zone” before the wheels react is one of the classic signs that the rack itself is starting to wear. On smooth pavement the car suddenly needs tiny corrections just to stay straight, and every small bump sends a dull knock back into the wheel — not a metallic click, but a heavy tap that feels like it’s coming from inside the housing.
Another giveaway is uneven steering effort. During parking maneuvers the wheel may swing light for a moment and then suddenly stiffen, something worn tie‑rod ends simply don’t cause. If you spot moisture on the rack boots or see oil on the subframe, that’s another strong hint. When these symptoms show up together, the rack is usually the culprit, not the outer components.