Thanks Joey for your response,

I hope its not the ps pump... that an expensive fix. Part of my reasoning for thinking it is a bushing or lubrication issue is that the steering became Tighter / worse over an extended period of time. In your experience would a power steering pump slowly go bad over time or would it just abruptly stop functioning.

Regarding the proper steering while driving in rain or wet conditions. I am not sure that it the slick ground that makes it easier, because I get the same proper restoration of steering right after I wash the car also (car and underbody wet but the ground is dry).

Thanks again