What would it sound like, or what are the syptoms of the rack and pinion going bad or being bad? Also should that be covered under the powertrain warrenty?

 

The principal symptoms of a bad rack and pinion unit are
- conspicuous fluid leakage from the unit
- noticeable binding at one point when you turn the steering wheel from lock to lock
- no power assist for the first 1 or 2 minutes after a cold start

The powertrain consists of the engine, transaxle, and drive axles. The rack and pinion is part of the steering gear, not the powertrain.