Steering Issue - too much steering feedback felt at the steering wheel

[the5krunner]

Car: VW Sharan TDI 1.9 130PD 2005

Recently I just replaced the tie rod ends on both sides - removing the old ones required heat, hammer and brute force! After fitting the new tie rod ends I made sure that they were screwed into the the approximate same place as before. I have not done any professional alignment yet.

There is very minimal play in the steering rack and no play anywhere else. There are no noises, vibrations or knocking either. All the other suspension components seem to be in adequate condition. The power steering fluid is at max level. However, there is an issue while driving. Every bump or road imperfection I hit is greatly amplified into the steering wheel. It knocks my arms side to side and does not feel safe to drive.

What could this be? Is this a fault of the steering rack? May be really bad alignment. I have run out of ideas.

Your help is much appreciated.

[johnnyroper]

You should have the alignment done after any steering components are renewed,this would be my first port of call.

[insanitybeard]

Was this issue present before you replaced the track rod ends?

[the5krunner]

Thank you for your feedback. The issue was slightly present before but now it is much much worse.

[the5krunner]

Update. I aligned the wheels today and now the problem is resolved! Thank you for your help.