It is such a superficial complaint that after changing mine years ago I no longer care. On the occasion it groans I laugh as if my Benz just did a fart. Usually the sound will only occur when needing full lock at near stationary. And is entirely functional for a very long time after it begins groaning more frequently
Mine was groaning any time the wheel was turned even slightly, and it also did not return to center even slightly so it tended to wander and memory steer. Likely yours isn't that bad, it is possible some were machined closer to the correct spec, the noise irritated me but the tightness of the steering was unsafe.
