steering, intermediate shaft?

if i start the engine cold and turn the wheel the wheel is extremely hard to turn, like the pump is dead. I can force the wheel, say, half a turn to the left, and let it sit there, and then i can turn it half a turn to the right with ease, i can feel that the pump is working. I can then turn it half a turn to the left again, and now the pump works, but if i try to turn it any farther, its stuck again. I can, once again, force it X distance in a direction, and then I can feel the power steering working for anything within that X direction. I dont know if I explained this clearly. Im guessing intemediate shaft problem or pump's going out.

I have the same feeling in my steering. I took it to the shop and they told me all of them do it. I can hardly believe they made them this way, but I had a 2003 that did the same thing and that is why I had dealer buy it back. It only occurs to me sitting still and on pavement where the friction is greater. If I am on the dirt, grass or gravel or a smooth pavement such as garage, it is fine. It bothers me when backing my trailer in the garage.