Regarding the steering rack, I have to mention that they can be refurbed only if the rack teeth and the pinion it self are not too worn. A way to check this is to put a 18 mm socket and an extension on the nut that tightens the ram to the rack itself and try to turn the rack by pushing up and down.
There should be little if any play. If the rack itself turns too much, the teeth are too worn and generally it can't be refurbed.
The notchy steering can also be due to wear inside the control valve.
I had a similar issue with my Citroen Xsara and changing the control valve only made a world of difference in terms of steering feel.
Everything else in the rack can be refurbed fairly easily, a new bush (sleeve) can be made in fitted the surface of the rack can be brought to polish once again, etc.
There should be little if any play. If the rack itself turns too much, the teeth are too worn and generally it can't be refurbed.
The notchy steering can also be due to wear inside the control valve.
I had a similar issue with my Citroen Xsara and changing the control valve only made a world of difference in terms of steering feel.
Everything else in the rack can be refurbed fairly easily, a new bush (sleeve) can be made in fitted the surface of the rack can be brought to polish once again, etc.