Stiff steering rack

[votan]

Just refitted my freshly reconditioned steering rack, but steering now feels much stiffer than before.
Have to use the same force to align the tires straight as doing cornering.
Wondering what might cause it!?...
Is there a way to reliably check and adjust slack? And if so, is it possible to adjust slack without bleeding the entire steering system or removing the rack again?

[Walford]

you need to be sure you have the shims right, or you can bend it with the 4 bolts that hold it down

[votan]

Ok, thanks. Don't think it's bent... but not sure about the shims!?
There is a flat metal plate with a screw in the middle that is mounted to the rack with two screws... do I have to remove this one and check shims there? What is that screw in the middle for anyway? Is there a special procedure to do the check and shim adjustment?

[Walford]

the rack is held down by 4 bolts, loosen 3 of them off, see how the rack feels

dont drive the car with the rack loose