alexantia

hi friends, first of all, sorry for my English for i`m not a native. I own a xantia 99` 1.8i 16v automatic, 290k km. during the past year the steering wheel is very hard to turn, especially in the morning. after 15 min of driving it softens a little but still, it does not move smoothly and becomes rigid alternatively. I had my hydraulic pump replaced lately, there`s no leak and the car rises within 20-30 sec and the oil level correct. this situation could be very dangerous if i have to do some drastic and quick maneuver. and my mechanic no clue about it. thanks for your kind help