How to check if the rack need fluid . Never had a non power rack car . Its stiff at turn in then fine. It sometimes won't return from slight turn without input from driver. Was fi e the other day. Started last night haven't in hooked column to see if its it but it seems to be in the front end . Its warmer out than a few days last week and it didn't do it then like power racks tend to do. Could it be a ball joint . Haven't been under it yet. Just seems like its in the rack once u start to turn its normal . Figure it might be low on fluid/ oil/ grease . Whatever it uses . Thanks. Will research it more when I get home later from doctors

Racks are sealed. You can drill them and install grease zerks. Good idea.

The manual rack in a Fiero is just greased, not filled with oil. Usually when it's stiff initially in one or both directions it's because the portion of the rack that sticks out on the passenger side (inner tie rod attaches to it and it's hidden by the boot) builds up a little rust. As you turn the wheel, the rust doesn't being pulled through the tight fitting bushing in the housing at that end. That action also prematurely wears out the bushing. Often you'll find that the rack boot is torn and has let moisture inside that area.

quote Originally posted by Bloozberry: The manual rack in a Fiero is just greased, not filled with oil. Usually when it's stiff initially in one or both directions it's because the portion of the rack that sticks out on the passenger side (inner tie rod attaches to it and it's hidden by the boot) builds up a little rust. As you turn the wheel, the rust doesn't being pulled through the tight fitting bushing in the housing at that end. That action also prematurely wears out the bushing. Often you'll find that the rack boot is torn and has let moisture inside that area.

that makes sense as it poured last sunday and I ran through some big puddles.. that'll give me a place to start tomorrow..