Sedona steering wheel very tight?

[KK4000]

My 2003 Sedona's (62K miles) steering wheel became very tight a few weeks ago. It was a farily quick change -- it went from being fine to being tight within one day. It was tight for about a week then loosened up for about 3 days. Now it is very tight again.

I notice it the most when I turn, having to work to turn the van and then work to "unturn" the wheel. Occasionally during the turn the wheel will be tight, then a little looser, then tight, then a little looser. It makes no noticeable noises when turning, and the wheel doesn't try to pull out of my hands as I turn.

It's not related to the weather, as it happens below and above freezing.

I've been told it's
1. The intermediate drive shaft binding up
2. The power steering pump
3. The front-end alignment.

Any advice on which of these fixes to pursue?

Thanks!

[guitman27]

I guess the starting point its under the hood with the belt and power steering pulley, the fluid and power steering hose. If theres no noise its maybe the steering rack.The steering column are very resistent unless you smash the car very hard

[93fxdl]

after you have checked the fluid level and belt tension the next thing i would check is the universal joint in the steering column (spray it with penetrating oil to free it) a good idea when trying out the steering is to park the wheels on a couple of glossy magazines to ease the strain on the steering
best of luck glenn

[kevmacleod]

I had the same problem on my sedona, it was the universal joint which I sprayed with lubricating oil and turned it back and fore a few times, never had a problem since! hope this helps.