There are numerous posts on here about steering issues, although none seem to address my problem

In the mornings, when the car is cold, when I turn the RX8 to the right, it initial "grabs" or feels very tight as if the power steering is out, for about 15 degrees worth of turning, and then it smooths out.

Now, about 5 minutes into the drive, it goes away, and later on in the day, when getting back into the car, it does not have the problem.

When I first started having the problem, whether it was just my mind or not, I could have sworn I could here a slight "ting ting" as if like a wire hanger was knocking against the chassis as I straightened it out AFTER turning right, and then it would stabilize and the "ting ting" would stop. (that would last about 1-2 seconds)

Additionally, and most recently, my car is BAAAARELY turning over when I start it. I point that out knowing the power steering is electrical so I don't know if there is a corellation.

I have read about cleaing some connectors? I would like to try but a.) I just haven't had the time to invest to learn a lot about my car so I don't know how to get to them and b.) it just doesn't seem logical that that would be the issue.

Please advise...