Over the past year or so, the steering wheel has become increasingly difficult to turn at low speeds. There is also some play in the wheel, could it be a loose steering gear? Could my power-steering pump be failing or simply working less efficiently? Also, the tilt wheel can be push down about 3 inches when the wheel is supposed to be locked. In fact, I have to flex the wheel down to turn my high beams on and off. What could be going on with my entire steering system?

My fluid level is fine. Thanks!

 

as far as the column I had the same problem ,yours could be 1of2 issues 1 that canbe fixed in about 5 min is ; if you have cruise then under the tilt lever there is a 2 pc plastic housing 1 of the 2 pcs looks like a small plastic box rite behind the turn signal that pc is held in by clips CAREFULLY pop it off , you will se a column pin (smaller than a dime size head )the head should be flush with the column housing. If not push the left side of the steering wheel intwards the dash and tap that pin back in (it has a threaded hohe in the ctr) they seem to work their way out on the left side because people use the wheel for a handle while getting in and out of the car. once the pins in snap the plastic pc back on. and you're done . If the wheel shakes in all directions up dn side side then there are 4 bolts that sometimes come loose where the tilt is , that is quite a job if you have never taken a column apart ,special tools and small parts , not recomended if you have never done it . but It sounds like the first scinario to me .

 

loose tilt column. there's a tech write up and a thread on fixing it. you can 'rent' the tools needed at AZ or one of the others.

 

The steering wheel itself isn't loose, it only moves downward to the left. Hopefully the loose pin is the issue as i do have cruise. But why is the wheel difficult to turn?

 

Fix your tilt column first, it needs to be tightened and may solve some of the other issues.

If steering is still tight, you can go from there to check your ball joints, etc.

 

pop the pin back in first . very easy that will help . let me know when thats done.