intermittent ps problem

can you guys give me and idea of what the symptoms of a bad pump and a bad rack. 10% of the time the steering goes a little hard turning to the left. then most of the time it goes easy. its only when both TIRES are on the ground it turns hard to the left. even if i jack it u and put all the pressure on the drivers side that turns hard it doesnt do it AT ALL. the back of my pump is all wet. no leaks under the car. Please symptoms of both would help.

P.S. it seems to be worse when system gets hotter.

2000 Grand Prix SE
140,000 miles
3.1 motor.

Best to see where the leak is coming from. The power steering pump would be a good starting point. However, it sounds like you have the early signs of a rack and pinion going bad. Main symptom is the hard to the left feel.

I agree with Bob. The hard to the left feel is indicative of a rack going bad. It has to do with the input shaft bearings (where the steering column attaches).

hey thanks for the reply 2 more things to add, when i turn to the right, it is not exactly easy, it gives me resitance also not like the other side though, it just wants to go back to middle. The back of my pump where the steel line meets the rubber hose on top looks like its sweating a bit. thanks for any more help.