So, had a chat with my mechanic about the power steering seemingly binding every 1/4 turn or being very heavy after staring the car (new PWR steering pump. It turns out that power steering hoses do NOT leak. He believes the gear on the power steering rack is binding, i.e. need new rack. That's $300 for remanned rack and $1,100 in labor. There is no other symptom of a bad rack (no leaks or free play, no noises). Has anybody else have a similar symptoms? is it possible it's a lower U-joint simply seizing?
UPDATE!!!! It does seem it is the u-joint seizing. The hard "spots" go away after u-joint was lubricated (saved me $1,200). I will continue the u-joint maintenance until we replace the lower steering shaft ($300). The lesson - do NOT replace steering rack until you service the u-joint, and it may take a few days to actually work!!!

 

I would certainly check the steering shaft u joint for seizing. It could explain the 1/4 turn binding. The heavy feeling maybe not so much.

 

That was my opinion. I will also flush the system with new oil.