Steering rack

So think my steering rack is knackered, steering is very vague and light, pump is making weird noises but has done for a couple of years anyways but worst of all car veers to the right when I'm giving it them beans and I change gear, so just a quick question is it possible to remove steering rack with engine in? If not can I bypass the PAS and use without if I join the two hydraulic hoses together?

Thanks

What’s it like turning when static and jacked up ?

Static and jacked up its normal, wheel turns as soon as you turn the steering wheel as it should

you can do it with engine in.
not most pleasant job but disconnecting engine support and gearbox mount allows you tilt/move engine/transmission so can get it out (remove track rods fully before trying remove rack) .

I'd be checking over steering, wheel/tyres and suspension in depth for any wear/sloppy parts/alignment before going straight for rack .

inspecting, rebuilding or replacing pump might be good idea too .

Ok thanks sounds great can't wait lol

Done most other jobs it could be I hope

You in for a treat lol, although if done alternators, water pumps, clutch master etc you be use to the cramp access and had some experience on shuffling engine/tranny make room .
If you have a ramp it nicer experience .
You going rebuild the rack or got a known good replacement .
One of those jobs you don't want be putting a unknown part back in :-)

Just messaged a couple of specialists here in uk as I got a spare rack in the shed but as you say don't nknow the condition of it but every where's closed due to covid 19, I'll try and get the a seal kit for it and do it myself

You thinking seals on rack ? Normally get a clunk. Jack it up as b says I would check other stuff and play in the rack first

yeh I would be suspecting play/flex causing the wondering .
light feeling and vagueness maybe linked to hydraulics .
problem with old racks is if they got lot of mechanical wear just seals/bush insert don't full help .
If you got confidence in your spare rack it might be worth swap over and monitor the difference .
Once you done the rack once it much easier/quicker do a second time.
Probably got more spare time than anything else such as parts and specialist services during this self induced crisis .

Nevermind I'll keep my eye on it and see whats what...