2004 SXT 3.7 reg cab 2wd auto Dakota. Over the past couple months i have noticed my power steering a little less effective at times. It mostly happened in the mornings when it's cold. It seemed to losen up when i accelerate, but not sure if it's related to the pump or just easier because the wheels are moving. Finally,this morning i had almost no power steering when i started it up for work (19 degrees this morning). On the way to work the power steering performance was very sporadic and it did not correspond at all with accelertion. On the way home it was a little better, but still noticeable. I have a full resevoir and there is no leak. I am hoping it is not the pump. I have read other posts and saw that it could be a lubrication issue. What do you think? Where do I lubricate? I will try that to troubleshoot. Thanks for any help

 

well I pretty much determined that it's the U Joint. Today when I got home I sprayed it with wd-40 and turned the wheel right after. The steering was fine. As I said, the resevoir is full and there are no leaks that I can see so Im assuming the problem is being caused by a bind in the U joint. I read in a forum search i did that this could be a cause. My question is: what do I do now? Does it have to be replaced or is it just a matter or lubrication?