'04 Avalon Steering issue Any Suggestions?

[hcstraub]

While driving today I noticed that the wheel is turning weird. It turns fine for the first 10 degrees, but then there is a resistance like a 'hump' feeling, then it gets easy and then another hump. When I let go at the end of the turn, the wheel doesn't come back to straight(0 degrees) like it normally does without help.
The car has 45,000 miles. I have checked the power steering fluid, it looks fine and is full. I checked under the car for leaking fluid....none.

It isn't 'hard' to turn, but you can tell something isn't right. Any suggestions? Anything I should check?
I do have a full manual set, but can't really find much.
Thanks.

[car5car]

Check lug nuts, look under car, tire rods. Lift front of car and turn steering wheel.

[Nad1370]

Steering yoke starting to bind up.

[hcstraub]

Thanks. I checked the tie rods and lugs...fine.

What is the best way to check the yoke? Any ideas?

[Nad1370]

Kinda hard to check when it's still in the car.

Or you could take the 12mm bolt out that the yoke is splined to the steering rack.
Push the yoke upwards till it comes off the splined rack.
Then just move it around and see if you feel any bind in it.