Stiff Steering...where do I start to troubleshoot?

[Robert Coats]

On the drive in to work today, I could tell there was something "not right" with the steering. The steering wheel felt stiff, and would not return to center all the way. I could turn the wheel 90-degrees, and it would correct back maybe 70-80 degree at best on its own.

No noises from the pump that I could tell.
Fluid level was just above minimum; topped it off and double-checked tire pressure. No change in steering response.

The last service work done on the front end was installation of Eibach springs, but that was almost six months ago. This steering problem just started today.

So, what do I check next? From what I could find in the archvies, I should look for split boots around the steering rack, which would indicated the rack may be shot.

Assuming the boots on the rack are okay, what next?

I have a '91 C4...thanks for all suggestions.

[Planter91C2]

this is just a suggestion, but i had this problem on another make of vehicle and i put penetrating oil on the knuckle joints on the steering shaft and it loosened up.