My steering was loose and sloppy when the centerlink went bad. It was difficult at highway speeds to keep the vehicle under control.

If you are experiencing that as well a the symptoms you are describing, then yes, your steering is probably shot.

If it handles fine at highway speeds, my guess is the power steering isn't working properly.
If you plan on upgrading your steering:
Read this before buying Calmini\'s steering system...
I bought my steering system in July 05 to replace my worn out stock stering. I've been waiting since 10/27/05 for a warriented replacement idler arm to repair the faulty idler arm I received with my Calmini steering sytem.

Of corse, maybe you'll be lucky and get one that works. But if it doesn't...