I have a 2002, the 2000 is pretty similar there are a few differences, but not that many.
The steering on mine, while you need to muscle it, is not sloppy. You might have worn or lose components.
I’m not sure how the 2000 steering rack is bolted on, but if it’s similar to the the 2002 - scroll about halfway down to the posts from grantwest. I had to do this with mine and it took some slop out. BTW, those bolts are aluminum, so don’t hit them hard with the cutting disk.
Motor in the 2000 was a 3.5 hp. IMO, no loss if it is going out, but as previously mentioned, your batteries are the more likely culprit.