I have done this. I did it to free up (equalize) the hp from my AC install.. I tore the rack apart took out the o rings, greased the rack and everything. The make a manual rack for 04 aveos, if my rack ever goes I will be installing that.
Its somewhat of a unnoticeable difference, but it did improve my mileage. But the car is harder to steer, mostly only if you parallel park a lot.