Just saw this thread.

Don't know if it helps but over here in the Middle East racks are pulled and the teeth are cleaned up (mill work) and then new seals replaced. As I understand it by the time the gears are adjusted (lash) it's been too long and the teeth on the rack are screwed too badly to allow you to actually adjust them hence the teeth cleaning.

Maybe you can tighten the lash up enough to be good but I'm not sure how big a risk it is if the teeth are mildly toasted...

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