Steering going stiff then clears with a thump

Good evening,

My wife's FL2 58 plate has developed a problem with its steering, it will suddenly go stiff, for only a second, then when you turn the wheel it clears with a thump coming from somewhere under the passenger side. It can go weeks without doing it but it has done it 3 times in 2 days. I fear it's the rack but would welcome other ideas if there is a chance it could be something else?

Thanks

Jim

I believe there was some sort of power steering recall on early models, might be worth seeing if it was done...!

Ok ses88 thanks for replying, I'll get on the phone tomorrow

the mesh filter in the resevoir is probably partially blocked with crap, clean asap or you will have a bill for new pump

Could be a strut top bearing? It would give similar symptoms