disconnect itermediate shaft from rack & pinion check u joint if stiff replace shaft
Universal joints in the steering intermediate shaft are starting to seize. Get a new one at rouckauto.com.
Your either low on power steering fluid or the pump is going bad.
to my knowledge there is no power steering filter i would check my power steering fluid level
could be where your power steering fluid is cold and thick
no
The power steering fluid is thicker when cold therefore it is harder to turn the wheel.
Could be that your low on power steering fluid. When it's cold, the fluid is more viscus, but once it warms up and thins out there isn't enough.
With the engine cold, remove the cap on the power steering pump. Inside the cap is a dipstick with a marking for both the cold and hot fluid levels
Have had the same problem in the mornings or when the engine is cold. I suspect the power steering belt is slipping.
There is no power steering in a Mercury Villager at start up in cold weather due to a failing pump or low fluid. Fluid becomes much thicker in cold weather and is much harder to pump.
The power steering pump probably needs replaced. When it's cold the fluid is thicker so it is easier for the pump to have pressure in it when it gets hot the fluid gets thinner so the pump is having to work harder than in the cold
My guess is that you have a tired power steering pump. Try a power steering fluid flush first, it wouldn't hurt.