Heres the issue:

Lately I've noticed that sometimes when I first start the car and pull out of the driveway and make that initial turn to go down the road, the steering wheel will be hard to turn, almost like theres no power steering...but then itll be fine again.

Kinda weird.

And also I noticed that going down the freeway theres some play in the steering wheel. I can wiggle it around and the car wont turn.

Is this just the nature of the beast or is there something I can tighten or check out?

Thanks

 

hard to turn cold is likely the pump, usually needs a new one to fix


the loose feeling could be alignment, worn steering components up front, or the rack is worn

 

Hi,
Have you checked to see if the drive belt is slipping whilst the problem is occuring?Have a friend look under the hood whilst you turn the steering wheel to full lock,if the belt is going to slip it will be at full lock while the vehicle is stationary.Maybe the belt tensioner is tired.Also check that the belt is dry and clean.
Other than that it may be your power steering pump on it's way out.
When I changed the water-pump on my car the pulleys got a little wet and on initial start up after the install I had no power steering due to the belt slipping.
Hope this helps,all the best,Mark.

 

Its been really foggy and moist here lately

Could that be causing it?

 

air in the power steering line will cause what you are describing. Make sure you have enough fluid.

 

moisture on you belt along with what ^^^ said could be your problem... check your belt for moisture BEFORE you start your car next time good luck

 

Did you ever nail down what was causing this? I'm having a similar problem. Going to get a new belt today, then maybe go on to replacing the pump.

Does power steering fluid ever need to be changed?

 

Usually not. Although if it gets really low its possible to burn the fluid up. If thats the case the system would need to be flushed. Never drain the system it would be a b*** to get all the air to bleed out.