'86 honda civic's steering wheel seems to be getting stiff.

My old backup car, an '86 civic is getting harder to turn the steering
wheel. When I turn either to the left or right, after comencing to go on a
straight road, the steering wheel seems to keep being turned to either
direction. I adjust it hard enough, but if for instance I had turned
right, then when I adjusted it to the left it may want to stay to the
left. The car's response when "avoiding potholes" is not as quick. Unless
I turn it hard but I know this is not normal. Can anyone please give me
some advice on what the problem may be? Thank you.

 

ball joint seizing up.

 

And we know what a barrel o' fun that is...
http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/misc/lowerballjoint/index.html

 

Thanks all of you once again for your advice. It was very accurate. I found
this out just yesterday, as I went to school and when I got to the parking
lot, as I was turning right to get in the parking spot the wheel came off!
because the ball joint popped out. I am glad it didn't happen down on the
highway at 70 mph.!!! Thanks for your advice. Lesson learned.