'07 328xit steering binding

[three28sixgear]

at 5,000 miles car developed a tracking issue where feels "groovy" and must be forced to point in mild, small degree turns. Inconsistent and in varying conditions (temp, road surface, speed, load etc). at 6,000 miles problem has become more of a binding of the wheel (so far only in left turns), wheel binds slightly then releases when enough force is applied to wheel with a popping feel and sound heard a couple times when released. Has happened at speed and in traffic conditions. Dealer can't find anything wrong and can't induce problem . Feels like rack I don't know for sure. Anyone else experiencing this or similar? Thank you!

[neapolitan]

Bizarre. Nothing of the sort experienced on mine -- how often do you get it? You're sure it is not something on the road that is doing it or something ridiculously odd like something on your dash or clothes getting stuck in the physical steering wheel?

[three28sixgear]

there's no consistency, however is getting more frequent and seems more severe with the binding (resistance) and ultimate release with a popping sound and feel (sorta like old school ball joints going out or something). hard to put a frequency on it. i live in NYC so the car isn't used as daily driver, and even if so, the bumps and stops and goes would probably mask the problem. however on weekends it's used on the open road where the "notchyness" is more obvious. it's nothing IN the car, and the shop says they went through it thoroughly, when I feel the "pop" you can tell it's coming from outside in front (drivetrain, suspension, something). PS my brother also felt this 2 weeks back when he borrowed my car and he drives an almost identical 328xit with no issues.