Very simply. Inside the steering unit, there is a rod called a rack. It has vertical teeth on it like an upside down handsaw. In the column is a shaft with a gear on the end of it called a pinion....
Excessive noise, shudder in the steering wheel when turning it in either or both directions, leaks. IF YOU CAN TURN YOUR WHEEL LEFT TO RIGHT WITH OUT IT BINDING AND THERE ARE NO LEAKS AT THE RACK...