so my 2001 s60 is at 104800 miles (going to change the timing belt / transmission flush at 105k)

recently noticed that the steering wheel had begun to turn much more loosely and easily than usual, and also the car key was extra hot even after a 10 minute drive. i don't know if these are serious problems or even legitimate concerns, but they are enough to annoy me and strike curiosity.

i'm not a car expert and i'm just more curious whether these issues had to do with the upcoming 105k service.

i just had the oil changed (synthetic) a week ago al though i doubt that this is related to the problem.

is this normal?