steering UJ

[erbs 42 1 Cars]

My steering goes from easy to turn and then quite stiff

 

I think it may be the UJ, can these be cleaned up and re-greased?

 

Also how difficult are these to take off the car, mine is a phase 1 B plate non PAS

[Ozymandis 97]

Get some rags under it and souse the whole thing in oil then work the lock to lock with it on axle stands. Do that a few times in a week and it will free up

[309SRiguy 15]

Another source of stiffness increasing with turn can be worn or old bearings at the top of the struts. Steering can get very heavy. Noticeably stiff without PAS.

[Telf 224 2 Cars]

I had this issue with my GR. Cleaned the UJ. Soaked in oil then applied grease.  No more problems.