Difficult steering

Good evening, forum.

I just tried searching, but I didn't really find what I was looking for.
For a few weeks now, I've been straining my arms every time I steer, which means the following:

In the early morning or after work, when I try to maneuver my car out of the parking space, the steering is so stiff that it feels like the engine isn't running.

During the ride, it's tolerable, but starting around 50% steering angle (in both directions), there's a kind of stiff point that I have to overcome with more force. After this point, things will get easier again.
Someone who is unfamiliar with this quirk will easily cause the car to spin out on wet or slippery roads (personal experience: my wife refuses to drive it anymore...).

After driving about 10-15 km, I no longer notice either the generally stiff steering or the point that requires extra effort to overcome.

Before I do anything pointless: Has anyone ever experienced something like this before? I'm suspecting either the steering linkage or one or both of the shock absorber mounts, which might be stuck or something.

Okay, one more thing: This issue is not temperature-dependent; the effect was also observed when it was still quite warm outside. And the servo oil level is sufficient, and the system is leak-free.

If anyone has any information, please contact me. Thank you.

How old is the belt that drives the power steering pump? I once had a similar issue with my old Scorpio. The belt would slip under the load of the power steering pump, and then the power steering assistance would obviously stop working.

In a stationary condition without steering load, the pump was always driven reliably.

Regards,
Guste.

hello,
The belt is relatively new and also properly tensioned.
I forgot to mention something. Regarding the extremely stiff point I mentioned, which occurs at approximately 50% steering angle, there's also a faint clicking sound.

Have you checked the hydraulic fluid level and inspected the steering gear for leaks? I would proceed in a systematic manner.

Until recently, BOTH of my tie rod ends (still the original ones from 1995) were making a squeaking noise when they got warm.

And then the steering became more difficult.

I had it replaced, and everything was fine. Previously, VW told me something about a defective steering gear.

Maybe they have some kind of problem there too.

m;

Hi. Unfortunately, I'm experiencing the exact same problem. I'm now considering replacing the steering rack.
Do you already have a 'new feature' or 'innovation'?

Best regards,
Rene

The other day, I put on my winter tires and, just for fun, after jacking up the car on each side, I moved the steering wheel back and forth.
When I then took it for a test drive, I noticed that the steering suddenly became incredibly light, almost normal.
And the stubborn spot is almost completely gone. Okay, I'm now suspecting it's the strut mounts.