If you weld the steering column swivel adapter, it will no longer be able to swivel.

The steering rack can be adjusted. There should be a relatively large locknut with smaller nut/allen bolt/plain head screw in the middle.

Jack the car up and turn the wheel all the way to one side. Press your chest against the wheel and grasp the rack bellows boot tight enough to feel the inner socket. Have a helper shake the wheel back and forth. You should feel the rack joggling in and out and the tire should wiggle as well. Repeat on the other side.

If the rack doesn't move, adjust for free play. If the rack does move, but the wheel doesn't, most likely the inner socket is worn.

Answered by rivermikerat (expert)
5,494 answers provided

hi, thanks for your reply. So are you saying that welding the steering column u/j is not a good idea? You mention ways of testing to see if the steering rack is at fault but what about ways for looking at the steering column, because i definitely have a hunch that this is the culprit.
I have attatched an image of the job done by someone else who had a similar problem to me.

thankyou.

Response from Louis158
1 question asked

THAT is acceptable. I thought you meant welding the swiveling portion of the u/j. There should be a locknut or set screw that secures the column shaft to the steering universal.

Answered by rivermikerat (expert)
5,494 answers provided