Recently I’ve noticed that it’s becoming incredibly difficult to steer when slowly turning; but it’s easy to do so when driving at normal speeds. Plus, when steering slowly there is a really audible, high screeching sound. What can this be? And how can it be fixed?
Did you ever get a second opinion to see if your rack and Pinion was actually leaking ? It may be out of fluid or the belt if ready for replacement . Either way you need this fixed before it seizes at the worst possible time.
Either of the aboveposts could be right or after 15 years your belt tensioner could have failed ir frozen in place, unable to take up the slack of your worn belt. This i not rocket science, any competent mechanic should be able to diagnose this.
\I mean someone at a real repair shop, not an oil change place or Pep Boys or tire or muffler chains.