power steering pump dieing?
 

What are the tell tale signs of this happening? Mine has been whining for as long as i can remember but today steering was kinda weird.

That was it....!!!...chaeck your fluid res...but the whining while full and erratic steering sensations are pretty much the SIGN....ps...check the belt for wear and tension...

If the fluid is low, inspect your P/S fluid cooler. If it is leaking, replace it. The coolers are known to rust and leak.