The usual common wear point on any steering system is the outer tie rod ends. If the grease seal breaks or splits, the joint loses its lubrication and wears rapidly since it's exposed to road dirt and grime. When worn though, they usually give a "wandering" feel.
The lower ball joint, if worn badly enough, may give the rise to the "stiction" symptom. Same thing; no lubrication causes nasty metal on metal contact.
The upper strut suspension mount may give the same symptoms, too, but the other two possibilities are easier to investigate and perhaps eliminate first.
The steering rack is likely OK.
On a 179K car, some wear in the suspension would be expected and a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension components should easily narrow down the source.