Stiff Steering, CV Axle Issue?

[EHNWI]

Hey guys, I recently started feeling my steering getting stiff. It doesn't want to center right back up while turning, either. I sort of have to fight it a bit. Fluid is fine on the power steering, but maybe it's the pump? Or could it be an issue with the CV Axle? I've attached a photo of the drivers side CV.

There was also a lot of rain around here recently. I didn't have any issues before it. I went through some decent puddles, but nothing major, or anything like I've seen some of these trucks go through on here.

Taking it to the shop tomorrow, but I wanted to see if anyone on here had any ideas what it might be.

Thanks



Notice that one side of the CV boot seems to be way more compressed than the other. The passenger side looks normal.

 

[HokieRunner]

You may want to check the joint on the steering shaft. That's another known failure point. You'll most likely have to remove it to do a proper test but you could spray some wd40 on the u joint ( look for the knuckle just about where the shaft connects to the power steering unit). If the wd40 loosens up the steering you've found the problem. I think a new shaft runs 150 or so.

It could well be the pump or the rack...but don't overlook this as a potential culprit.

 

[EHNWI]

Thanks Hokie, I'll locate the u-joint and get some wd-40 on there to see if it changes anything.

 

[BOSMECH]

I lube mine all the time now since it happened to me once and then I found out about this common problem.
The trick is to turn the whell all the way left spray it then all the way right then spary it.