steering

[cmc76]

I have been driving my tahoe less since i got a work truck. But last few times i have, the steering seems to be less smooth. No noises or whining. And Ill try my best to describe. But when turning the wheel, it feels like there are points of more and less resistance. Used to turn side to side with no real feel to it.
About 189k on it, is this a symptom of the box itself going out?

 

[Matahoe]

I have been driving my tahoe less since i got a work truck. But last few times i have, the steering seems to be less smooth. No noises or whining. And Ill try my best to describe. But when turning the wheel, it feels like there are points of more and less resistance. Used to turn side to side with no real feel to it.
About 189k on it, is this a symptom of the box itself going out?

You need to isolate it being a linkage or power steering issue. Lift both front wheels off the ground and turn steering wheel lock to lock with engine off. If you feel similar or worse resistance like you pointed out then the problem is in the linkage itself, ball joints, tie rods, etc...not the power steering pump. You can pretty much use deduction from then on such as disconnect left tie rod, replace pitman arm, etc to narrow down the problem.