Welcome
Steering can depend on what size wheels and tyre pressure you have set. I've only got 14" wheels on my cab and have changed the tyre pressure several times and it feels very light now, but it's a trail and error on tyre pressures. If you've got 15" or more size wheels then it's going to be heavy - unless you get power steering - only place I know is TSR performance, but it cost ?1,000 to get installed......!!!!
On the noise issue, it's the timing as I had this on my car, it was too advanced. I took my car into a garage and asked them to check the timing and adjust - only cost ?10 for me to have done.... worth it, car runs smoother and petrol last longer now too....
If the noise is still there at tick over it's the tappets, but you would know if that was the case, it would drive you mad all the time in the car.....
Hope this helps.
