[William Miller]

Another idea.
If it turns easily while up in the air and not on the ground.
Alignment may have something to do with it. Toe or caster.
When I bought my car I was required to replace the tie rod ends. They were on my list anyway because the car was wandering all over the place.
Tires were wearing fast on the inside.

I replaced the ends and did my best eyeballing the alignment. When driving to the tire store for new front tires and alignment, the steering wheel turned effortlessly and it was much more responsive.
Once aligned the it was back to where it should be. Tracking straight and a little effort to turn the wheel. My guess was that when I replaced the tie rod ends thay were toe'd out slightly.

Some of you racer's should be able to confirm this as you change these settings on purpose.

Just a thought. Maybe it was just a pothole?