Sounds like a problem with the steering pump. The notchyness you are feeling is the plungers in the "Danfoss" unit (beneath the steering wheel) probably due to no, or low, hydraulic pressure.
Check the feed hose to the pump. If you have the Leyland 4/98 engine the steering pump is driven from the timing gears via an idler gear. The bearings in this gear have a tendency to break up which could cause loss of, or intermittant drive to the pump.
Mr. Toad
October 2010