I started having hard spots in my steering. I started with the steering pump and then the rack and pinion and all seemed fine. So I worked my way up and sure enough the U joint on the steering assemply is starting to cease up. It has some play in it, but I coated it with Royal purple silicone spray and it started working fine. It has quite abit of rust on it so that has got to be making things worse. You having steering issues? I have a 2005 with 80,000. This and my thermostat have been my only problems so I am not really complaining. Just can't seem to find the part number or a place that I might be able to order it.