OK, here's another one. (And why do I fear that 'here's another one' will be the future on this car?) The car is hard to steer standing still and at low speed like backing out of a parking space. (I don't know what it's like at speed since it is my daughter's car and I haven't been able to drive it to diagnose yet.) After about 1/8th turn on the wheel the PS pump used to make a little hissing noise (no different than most other cars I've had, so sounds normal to me.) Now after about 1/8th turn the PS pump makes a nice growling sound that cycles rapidly - same thing in both directions (left or right turn). No leaks. PS reservoir is full hot. Tie rod ends are nicely greased, ball joints look OK, no clunks and no rattles from the front end. So, dead PS pump or rack problem? This is the PS pump mounted high on the driver's side of the engine, direct driven (not belt) on the Eco 2.2L, 2 dr, LS Sport Coupe, 5-speed manual trans, 50,000 miles. Has an "F" in the middle of the VIN (I'm told that's important?).

Its either the steering rack or the pump is shot.

My bet would be on the PS pump. It is driven off the intake cam just like on a LD9. A more common problem than most would expect.

And a PS pump it was. Replaced with a reman. All is fine. Thanks for all the inputs.