intermittent stiff steering?

[timmah]

ok I got one for you guys:

a few days ago, oddly enough, coinciding with the warm weekend we had...my steering felt..."off".  I'd rotate to go around a turn and it'd be stiff...normal....stiff....normal.  This is for both directions.  The points that it is "stiff" are not static, it can vary. 

My thoughts:

1) axle
2) p/s pump
3) rack

no fluid is leaking and the fluid level is full.  fluid was changed this past summer.  no squealing or any noises from the p/s pump.  no clunking, clanking, etc. 

help!

[stylesrex]

if it is not a steering related malfunction, ie pump, rack or no signs of leaks...worn-out front strut bearings can bind and feel stiff when turning.  any problems pulling into parking spaces or making tight turns?

[tekkheadd]

It sounds to me like the pump is beginning to fail.  how many miles do you have?

[timmah]

thanks for the replies, guys.  

Funny thing, it doesn't feel off when i rotate the wheel lock to lock while the car is stationary.  i checked the belt tension and it's good.  No issues turning into tight spots, or turning with the wheel at full lock in either direction. 

i have 107k on the car.

[timmah]

update.  no bubbles in p/s reservoir.  went away for a day, now is back again.  was told on nasioc to look at tie rod ends and rack bushings.

[Photofixer]

does the power steering pump noise happen when standing as well?  Then a tie rod it could possibly be..

[timmah]

OK--update.

Got under the car.  Tie rods look fine, so does the rack.  Tiny bit of grease seepage from the passenger side axle boot but nothing worth writing home about after 107k.  Lubed up the steering u-joint and it seems much better.