My 2000 Accord has very smooth assisted steering for the first inch of turning the wheel in either direction. When I turn past the first inch in either direction I can feel some resistance and hear a noise that sounds like metal coming in contact (engaging) with metal. The wheel becomes more stiff after the first inch. Why would my steering not feel consistent?

 

Lift & support the front of the car. Run the steering back & forth without running the engine. Does it still do that?

Listen for sounds. Maybe something obstructing the steering column? How about bad bearings in the U-joints of the steering column?