[FIVE.seven]

UPDATE:

Today I raised the vehicle and turn the steering wheel lock to lock to bleed the system. The problem is still there. In fact, the problem is there even with the engine turned off and vehicle off the ground.

So, I took down the steering column and disconnected it from the rack and pinion to try and eliminate binding in the column as the culprit. I spun the steering wheel and it was fine, no binding.

I then went to physically turn the left front wheel by grabbing at 9 and 3 o'clock and it was binding. (column still disconnected) The tie rods are not worn or damaged. There's no damage to any of the suspension that I can see. There are no leaks either.

Would a situation like this more likely be caused by binding/failure of the rack and pinion or some sort of relief valve that is stuck open/closed?