What causes difficult steering?

Answer 1

Faulty Power Steering pump, low fluid level, and improper belt tension are the most common. It can be causes by damaged or restricted power steering lines, steering gearbox, steering rack and pinion, seized tie rod ends, strut mounts, ball joints, over sized tires, and so on.

If you hear a whining noise while engine is running suspect fluid loss or damaged power steering system component.

If noise is more of a creek or squeak over bumps or while turning the wheel (no noise while engine running and not turning wheel or moving in gear) suspect mechanical steering or suspension component.