Loosen the inner bolts to see if the steering gets easier. If it does, check if the washers fell out between the bushings and center part of the rack. Also check the two outer tie rod ends to be sure they're sitting straight. They can be hard to hold straight when tightening the jamb nuts on the adjuster sleeves.

If the steering doesn't get easier when you start the engine, you may have a power assist problem. Check if you have speed-proportional steering. There will be a solenoid just to the right of the steering shaft on the rack housing and a small black module clipped to the left end of the rack. Be sure both of their electrical connectors are plugged in.

Answered by caradiodoc (expert)
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