My '99 Durango was experiencing early upper ball joint failure at 30K, dealer said no way until they pulled it apart and found it so...on lock to lock turns there was an audible and tactile "clunk" which was also visible to someone in front of the vehicle as the wheel abrubtly twitched.

With weight on wheels and engine running, have a helper turn lock to lock, with the hood open, and watch for movement at upper and lower control arm bushings, upper and lower ball joints, pitman and idler, center link, and tie rods. If you can feel it, you should be able to see it.

Steering column bearings and races also fail and cause odd sensations.