Steering wheel noise problem...

Hi,

I own a 1998 150 Econoline Van which started make a noise in the steering wheel - sounds like I'm winding up a "spring" when making turns. The noise is in the steering wheel, I'm sure of this.

Right before this happened, when making a turn the steering wheel would not return to the stright position without my help. I thought it might be a worn tire on the right side, which is badly worn as compaired to the left side.

Can anybody tell me how to fix this?

Thanks,
Heather