Steering tight after rack replacement?

[Snooperstyle]

Tried searching all the steering rack replacement threads, and could not find answer. I just had to have the rack replaced (did not do myself) and now the steering feels too tight. Especially when pulling out of garage, etc. It won't return to center fast enough and naturally enough at 5mph or lower speed. Service Advisor says this is normal, but also said he'd be glad to take another look. They put an OEM rack back in there. Mine was leaking for months but my steering feel was actually perfect prior to the replacement. Just wondering if anybody on here had any advice before I waste half a day going back out to dealer. Will it loosen up? Or should I take it back in?

 

[flyrv9]

I would ask the service advisor to look up the rack replacement procedure to see if there is a force check at the end. The check would involve using a force gauge when turning the wheel to see what it reads compared to a value range in the procedure. Or, you and the service advisor could compare your vehicle to one on the lot and see if there is a difference. Hopefully they aren't just doing things by feel!

 

[veleno]

It shouldn't be harder/tighter since they used an oem part. I've only heard of this when installing an aftermarket part.
Bring it back and don't take "it's normal" as an answer.

 

[flyrv9]

After install, the steering rack will have to be filled with fluid and bled of air. Air trapped in the system will result in requiring more force to turn the wheel. The bleeding and force check should be in the rack replacement procedure.

 

[Rocko9999]

You can burp the system yourself. Drive onto cardboard squares for the front tires and take the fluid reservoir cap off, turn wheel left to right just short of full lock, see if air bubbles are coming to surface-if yes, continue until they are gone.