Hard steering Issue 2002 Camry

[crimsonblood]

I've had a hard steering issue for at least a month now. It's hard to describe without driving it but i'll do my best. It feels like something is binding or like i have no power steering at all. It's like in segments. And it doesn't change with speed. I have changed the power steering pump and it didn't fix it. I've been told to check the strut bearings for binding and also the steering shaft for binding in the U-joints. I don't know what it could be but its driving me insane lol. ANY suggestions would be very helpful. Thanks

[MstrToyoTech]

sounds like a rack and pinion ?
there are no u-joints on an 02 camry..are you talking about the cv-axles? you would more likely hear it popping or clunking if it was the cv-axles.