I own a 2002 Dakota. I drive on a curving road to get to work. The past 5 days I noticed that the steering was getting hard to turn at times. Every day becoming more noticable. I'm pretty preceptive, so even the smallest change would get my attention. As I would bear around a curve, then bring the steering wheel back to center (straight), it would feel hard to turn, almost like it was sticking. Any ideas on what I should check first, or even if it is safe to drive to work on Monday or if I should get it fixed first.
Thanks
Barry

 

check your power steering fluid level, any moaning noise comming from the engine bay when you turn the wheel?.... its also possible your caster alighnment in your steering is off, but it shouldnt be that bad

 

There is no extreme noticeable moaning. I checked the level and it's down a bit, but not as much as I would expect for the symptoms.

 

It seems to happen at speeds over 40mph, My mechanic soaked the shaft with penetrating oil to lube it to see if that helps. it helped for about 5 days, now it's doing the same thing..almost like I loose power steering for a second around turns. Any other suggestions??

 

It stopped for about a week , now it's started again. Now more often. It's feels like steering gets stiff around bends or slight turns but not when I stop to turn a corner. It's driving me crazy[/align]