I just bought my truck yesterday, and it has a problem in the steering somewhere. The steering feels really chunky, it will be tight at one point then loose at the next point, then tight again. It turns fine, just the steering is weird. I think it is either a weak power steering pump, rack and pinion, or the u joints in the steering shaft. I have already checked for air in the PS system, and there was none. I also have a wobble in my front end and the outside of my tires are wearing faster than the rest. Would alignment cause this steering issue. I am stumped. Please help!

 

I had this issue when I bought mine (Knowing it) Mine was a front wheel bearing was bad, causing the steering to go from Tight to loose, Mostly noticable one way over the other tho. I have also had a Intermediate steering Shaft issue, Where it would cause the steering to get firmer and firmer over a short time, Now I have about 1" - 1 1/2" Play in the wheel (Didnt replace it) My mech just grease the hell out of the Knuckle that was binding. I plan to replace it at some point, but it has not got any worse, I just grease it ever now and then.