Odd power steering issue

[someguy]

Hi guys,

I started up my car this morning and as I started driving I noticed that the steering felt heavier than usual. When turning the wheel, it feels like it's sort of stiff as certain angles and easier at others. So say I'm turning left, as I start turning, it feels hard, then softer, then harder until I get to full lock. Anybody know what could be the issue? I'm thinking it could just be all in my head, but I drove the car yesterday so it's not like I haven't driven it in a while and just forgot how it feels. Also, there are no leaks on the driveway, and I didn't hear the sounds often associated with a power steering pump failing.

[Petinko]

there are two things that pop into my mind when reading your description...

the lower joint on the column it drying out, get a can of wd40 and soak the shit out of it.

or a bearing on the column is seizing or out of line, thus the steering isn't the same from lock to lock, but almost gets caught or snagged.

both problems will eat your pwr-steering pump alive. try the wd40 first and report back.

[someguy]

you mean that rubber joint on the column? I have a replacement one laying around that I never got around to installing so I may try that. I'll try lubing up the bearings as well.