2 years ago the steering was stiff on cold days in the winter. Did not recenter itself well after a gradual curve in the road either. Dealer replaced steering pump then rack and pinion but problem persisted. Then dealer replaced "u-joint" in steering column and problem seemed to go away. Now the problem has returned. I hear a clicking (clock spring?) when turning wheel back and forth and resistance seems to start at this point in either direction but dealer said (2 years ago) that the clock spring would not cause steering resistance. I spent more than $1200 at the dealer 2 years ago, and now the problem is back. I am frustrated to say the least. Any suggestions or ideas?

 

P.S. This is a 4 cyl LX, all stock