It sounds more like a bad ball joint that is worn and has no grease in it anymore. The ball joints are not the grease-able type. Lift the weight off the joint and they will get quiet.

First step - check the key shape and 'teeth' of the key - if worn / rounded excessively - then the issue may be a worn ignition switch or ignition key tumbler. If this is the case, then the ignition tumbler and switch will need to be replaced. Of course, along with the new ignition switch will be a new key or set of keys.

Replace the power steering pump.

Yes it does without a doubt. It does not happen in a few days though. Takes weeks or months of contamination. Fix the PS leak and clean off the bushings with a solvent and / or an air blower if possible.

Hello
It is possibly your power steering belt but without actually hearing the noise it is hard to say. It could also be the wear indicators from your brake pads hitting the rotor.
Hope this helps
Joe Boulay
Automotive Technician & Author
joe@joeboulay.com
www.joeboulay.com

It depends which repair shop you use, independent garages charge cheaper, but check their reputation. Basically a pair of cv axle will cost about less than 200$ plus installation.

Check the many on-line parts sources; such as www.RockAuto.com, www.autopartswarehouse.com, or www.autopartsfair.com, or www.partsfair.com - for the replacement parts.
For example, they (RockAuto) list the CV axle shaft assembly from around $70.00 each for your vehicle.

See this http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php
It's $44.79 dollars.

That is the most likely cause - have the alignment re-checked. There should be a slight positive caster to enable the steering wheel to return to the centered position after making a turn.

You have a bad Steering Shaft U-Joint. The u-joint which is at the base of the steering column connects the steering wheel to the rack and pinion. The u-joint is seizing up / frozen so that is why y=the wheel gets tight in the same spot as u turn the wheel. Not unlike a universal socket that you would have in your tool box except the socket would be binding up in one direction (you see they pivot in two directions) as you turn the socket. Probability here is like 99.99% slam dunk. I am surprised they did not advise you of this. I for one would never have missed that as I would have felt it when I drove your car from the parking lot into the building, but some techs just ain't that attentive to things, or they just plain are terrible mechanics.

Need more information - what is meant by 'compliance' bushings?

Usually, the steering rack is changed / exchanged as an assembly - not just replacing components inside - as all parts would be subject to the same wear / mileage considerations.

Check the many different on-line auto parts sources; such as - www.autopartswarehouse.com, www.partsgeek.com and www.rockauto.com for the replacement parts. For example, they (Rock Auto) list the steering rack assembly from around $143.00 for your vehicle.

Check the following items as first step; faulty / worn suspension bushings, faulty / worn strut bushings, faulty / worn upper strut bearings. Try the 'How-To-Guides' feature on the specific steps to inspect the front end components for wear.

Hello
I suspect front lower ball joints, or front upper control arms. Get your suspension completely checked over ASAP.
Joe Boulay
Automotive Technician & Author
joe@joeboulay.com
www.joeboulay.com

Not sure what a weedeater sounds like, but you may be right about the pump. Need to confirm fluid level, belt tension, and maybe tire pressure.