What are symptoms of a failing steering rack motor?

After many searches and posts I see some have the same/similar problem that I do. IE: When driving on a straight section of road I am constantly making tiny corrections to stay in my lane. but worse yet, when I am in a long sweeping curve, I can let go of the wheel and it stays where I have it. It doesn't want to center itself.Now if I do this in a parking lot and really make a tight turn, the wheel will come back toward center, or at least make an attempt to.

It wasn't always like that but it sure is irritating.The feel at the steering wheel is 'notchy' or 'sticky' feeling when I try and move it. I have to constantly be steering and if I look away it will drift out of my lane, really annoying,

.Back in the day if someone brought me an MG with a similar complaint I'd suggest that the rack was bent. Of course there was no power assist of any kind.

The vehicle is a 2011 Prius II with 71K and stock rims and good tires.Makes me wonder if it's the rack motor failing or a tight strut bearing maybe not the motor. <shrugh> Alignment is good too fiw. NO I didn't hit anything to bend the rack if in fact that's what it turns out to be,

Thanks to all who reply,
ES

 

Thanks, I know I need to be under the car. I talked to the dealer and he said he'd go with me to test it or better yet let him drive it..Clearly there's something amiss.

Regards 'ES"