The clockspring assembly at the top of the steering column and the sliding portion of the collapsible column wouldn't make it hard to turn the wheel. I think your problen is dry bearings in the "U" joint where the steering column meets the steering gearbox or rack. Don't pull the steering wheel off and disturb the clockspring setting or you will break it and the airbag will not deploy in an accident. This will display a warning light and set DTCodes.