no, not part of the ball joint problem

and, if the power steering fluid is out, the rack will not work right. You need to get that leak plugged. The only thing I can think of is get one fom a junkyard to keep costs down, if the rack is the problem

"Tutto fa brodo."

Todd Scungio
98 RS
15.173 @ 90.70 MPH

And also a 2011 Ralliart