I didn't do anything. However, someone at the dealership charged my car (to 100%), which I can only assume means that the steering rack has been replaced and I will be getting a call to collect it soon.
(Alternatively, they charged the car before initiating the work, but if so, I am not sure why. Surely the 82% it was at when I turned it over would be enough, given that it is a mechanical repair vs., e.g., a software update. Maybe all of the SE's service instructions start with "Fully charge the vehicle, then. . . "?)
Picked up my car from the dealership after they replaced the steering rack (under warranty). Got in, went to drive out of the parking lot, and felt the same knock/catch/whatever. Drove around the building, parked, and spoke with the service manager. Both he and head mechanic drove my car and reported that they couldn't feel it. I then suggested that the service manager accompany me, had him put his hand on the wheel, attempted to illustrate the problem, and . . . nothing!
Hopefully the problem is gone for good, but if so, I am at a bit of a loss as to explain why.
No idea what the explanation might be, but am sharing for the potential benefit of others
ETA: I posted that quickly from my phone last night, so to share a bit more detail, the diagnostic process was a follows:
1. Disconnect wheel and intermediate steering assembly from rack and turn wheel - all smooth.
2. Turns wheels while still attached to rack - notchiness felt.
3. Disconnect wheels from rack and move rack - same as #2.
I therefore can't disagree with their approach or solution. I'm just puzzled as to why the sensation was still clearly there at first, then went away.
Could it be that what really needs more lubrication in situations like this is the steering rack itself, and that my brief drive around the building was sufficient to distribute some grease? Or, perhaps both intermediate steering assembly *and* the rack are sometimes insufficiently lubricated?
