So when I'm turning it kinda feels like there is sand somewhere in my steering. IIt IS audible. Too quiet to get a video of I imagine, but it is audible to me and my passengers if it is very quiet in the cabin. It also makes the sound and does the small vibration when the wheel is returning.

It is kind of like a vibration almost. Like a dry bushing that is rubbing? Which would almost make me want to believe maybe one of the bushings on the steering arms? But that would not exactly explain why you can hear it inside. I have never taken apart one of these steering colums so I don't know what comes into contact with what, but it certainly feels like its local.

I would say it might be my rack is bad because my wheel has alot of play in it. I am betting alot more than usual. I will try to take a video of how much play is in the steering in comparison to how much control it is putting into the wheels.

My steering does not feel espcially heavy in any way FYI, so at least I know my PS Pump is fine.

Sorry for the other thread in general chat!

Play can be caused by a rack...although it can also be tie rod ends, both inner or outter in our case.

On the feeling of sand.. have you checked to ensure the balljoints etc that have lubrication and grease fittings do have grease?

How would I go about "checking" without disassembling everything and umm how do i tell if the tie rods ARE bad?

To check a tie rod.. jack up one side of the car in front. Put your hands at 9 and 3 on the wheel and try to wiggle from 9 to 3. Play is typically a tie rod. Then...move to the other side and check that one.

6 and 12 for ball joint btw. And if any are loose, this can be caused by lack of grease, or worn out joint.

BTW, do not jack up the lower control arm, as you will put a load on the ball joint so you can't feel for play. Jack it up by the subframe. The rears must be jacked up by the lower control arms, since the spring rests on the lower control arm instead of the upper area which is the strut. Jacking it up relieves the load, and then you can feel for play.

Make sure you verify that it is a ball-joint or possibly a loose strut, and make sure that its the inner or the outer tie rod ends.

Have you considered that it could be the upper strut mounts that are badly rubbing? Maybe making the noise too? Have someone put their ear near the wheel well while you turn?

Anyways, good luck diagnosing your suspension and steering issues. Hopefully it won't be a back rack. They're a pain to replace! Dad did it on his 85 Citation, lol.