Thanks Jdub,

I had the car hoisted up and when I move the wheels by hand from left to right, the steering shock seemed to extend and compress OK. I then checked the ball joins of the tie- rods and they move OK.

Is it possible that the power steering hose is clogged? Strange that when I rev up the engine, there's definitely more assistance. It feels like some blockage somewhere or the pump's had it.

????????