power steering issues

[loud2004marquis]

2004 Marauder has 33,000 miles on it and power steering is acting up...It's stiff MOST of the time while driving. Also makes scratchy noise while turning the wheel....The same noise when you turn the wheel as far as it will go...Anyways, I saw some suggestions are oiling/replacing the u-joint on the steering colum, and cleaning a piece by the rack and pinion?

Can someone further explain (details) the part by the rack and pinion?

Also, a turkey baster to do a flush and fill with the fluid?

Did they use Mercon V from the factory in the power steering system and/or can I mix Mercon V with whatevers currently in there?

[tbone]

Sounds like u joint.
Unbolt the ps resovoir and turn it upside down to drain. Way better than a baster. There are other methods as well, but I like mine.
Mercon V is the fluid.

[tbone]

When turning, does the wheel go back to straight when you remove your hands?

[loud2004marquis]

The wheel does straighten back out after a turn. Took it for a test drive and it seemed ok now, but it was acting up the other day. The fluid in the res. is VERY clean looking...not sure...

[tbone]

If it's intermittent it would not be the ujoint. How is the pulley and belt?