X2
That would be the 1st place I would look at.

 

I know I did




This one down under the brake booster.

 

Power steering wouldn't have anything to do with wheels centering. I suspect a rack problem.

 

I would think that problem would make a click/thump sound and have slop do to the needle bearings not being lubricated anymore.

Did I miss it, was the year/mileage stated?

 

That is a possibility.
Disconnect the intermediate shaft and turn the wheels, lock to lock. See if a bind happens.

 

'06 83K.
This just started happening one day.
Dealer says they will have to run diagnostics before replacing the EPS motor. If it's not the motor $98 an hour diagnostic fee.
I've been looking into the steering shaft. Found two places that mentioned not returning to center as a symptom.
Excellent thinking Cat Man.
So I separate the intermediate shaft and then move the wheels lock to lock by hand. If it doesn't bind, I can check the U joint on the shaft. Two birds one stone. I will get on this first thing tomorrow morning and report back.
Thanks so much.

 

I am sure you already know, but before manually turning the rack use a sharpie or some sort of marker to mark your center to avoid aliment issues after reconnecting.

 

Before disconnecting any parts, you could try some spray lube on the joint. Some WD40 or other should work. It may help you determine if that's the part that's binding.

I know it's not the same thing but I've been dealing with a similar issue on a fleet of golf carts. At 2 years old a lot of them are getting harder to turn and don't want to "center up" the steering wheel.
Spray lube on the lower steering shaft joint has fixed most of them.

 

Let's not forget about the clockspring; don't be spinning the steering wheel while disconnected.

 

When my bottom u joint ceased, it effected the steering wheel returning because it wouldn’t flex like the joint is intended.