If your steering requires a lot of effort, check your steering tie-rod ends. I had one sized and one that was meh on my 2002. Felt like I was trying to drive a bus with no power steering.
nevaccessories.com sells replacement ends. $28/ea. Totally worth it.
https://www.nevaccessories.com/GEM-CAR-OUTER-TIE-ROD-END-1999-2004/productinfo/GEM-TR-04/
You’ll need a really small separator tool. O’Relly Auto has it, like $15 IIRC.
I’d tell you the part number, but I tossed the packaging a while back. Doh.