Chrysler Repair: Voyager steering problem, ball joints, loose power

Question
When the car has been standing for a a few hours or over night the steering wheel is really hard to turn. After a few seconds it then releases. Some mornings it's really hard work especially in the cold. When the car is moving I feel a small knock through the steering wheel. Any ideas?
Thanks

Answer
Hi Mike,
The possible causes are: low power steering fluid, loose power steering drive belt, lack of lubrication on lower control arm ball joints or worn lower ball joint, low power steering pump pressure, large internal leak in steering gear assembly, mechanical bind in the connections (such as tie rod to steering arm) due to improper positioning of tie-rod end. You might do well jack up and support on stands the front wheels, and listen/look while a helper tries to turn the wheel before starting up in the morning to localize the source of the problem.
Roland