my moms car was haveing similiar problems once, it would be hard to turn one way but the other way was fine. The mechanic that looked at it replaced a tir rod end (or ball joint? ) and that solved the problem.

Jack up the vehicle and check for sloppiness that way. There was no sign of looseness in my moms car until it was off the ground.

Still it could be a rack or pump problem.

-Mike

Mike Walter
'98 Amigo well used
'94 Rodeo in need of help
'99 Ram CTD for hauling feather pillows
'01 unheated shop