97 f350 steering started getting stiff when my defroster was on ,now two weeks later sounds like popping coming from wright inside my steering wheel and my truck doesnt have cv boots 2 wheel drive

Before changing pump jack car up check track control arms & bearings.Sounds like iits dragging not turning.Chech all movement will wheels off the deck ie on ramp.my poblem was dirt& locked control arm.

Almost sound like your rack and pinion cylinder has gone bad. I would start by cleaning the area real well to get rid of the oil. With the car running have someone sit inside and turn the wheels from left to right while you stand and watch to see if you can see oil leaking and from where and also to see if you can tell where the grinding is coming from. Please do not try to clean the engine with it running as you will get burned from heat and your clothes may become tangled in moving parts.

Rack may be contaminated or coming apart inside.

you have to specific in the make , model , year and equipment type
you problem indicates seized bearings in the rubber mounts at the top end of the struts and you are actually trying to twist up the springs
the new rack fixed for a short period of time eliminates the power steering pump
It could be the steering column joints are dry and seizing up as well ( dead spots when turning the wheel indicates joints not turning freely0

Check the hoses are not closed up and causing a restriction also check the relief valve.

Check your serpintine belt for cracks, & dryness. Also if wet the steering will not operate easily neither

the reason the belt broke was not found yet. Most likely you have a belt tensioner issue or a frozen pulley.

3 possibilities come to mind,
pump
rack and pinion
ball joints or top suspension leg bearing

you have a leak try using lucas power streering stops leaks products
it works in my 97 sebring.

94-97 accord have common issue on key ignition. Key ignition seems to corroded. Solution take it apart clean or best way is to replace it. I know because I have done it to 94 accord 4 cylinders, 95 accord 6 cylinders and 97 accord 4 cylinders.