I've read the numerous posts about the E53 steering wheel clunk or click. I wanted to describe my issue and see if this is the same symptom as what has been described as a steering click or clunk or perhaps something different.

On a 2001 E53 4.4 with 160K miles, I'm experiencing:

1. Progressive steering resistance when turning in either direction from neutral to 90 degrees in either direction.
2. At the 90 degree position, there is a release of this resistance.
3. Bringing the wheel back to neutral does not result in a reverse of this feeling.
4. Continuing to turn through another 360 degrees recreates the buildup of resistance at the 90 degree position again.

Is this the steering click or clunk already described?

Thanks for any insights.