I asked the dealer for the alignment printout from my car and was told "they can't give that out" so I have no clue what where it stands. I took the car to another shop today and they too said everything on the front end checked out fine, going to change the front tires and have it re-aligned and we'll see what happens.

 

I've never in my life heard of a shop not willing to provide the alignment printout. That just screams poor alignment or "we didn't do it at all". It's not proprietary information.

 

I don't think a steering pump leak will be that evident unless its major. I changed mine this month and there was a lot of oil sweat marks around the linkages.

I also think your problem may be caused due to air in the system.

I know its a wild guess, but everyone has suggested possible causes so try this.

Check your oil temperature the next time you keep driving the car in only the 2nd and 3rd gears. As in keep the shifts long, is your oil temperature hitting higher levels quicker?

If yes, check the relay for the engine compartment fan to see if its faulty. Faulty relay's will cause the fan to not work correctly coming on and off at irregular intervals.

Fixing that fan and a possible leaky pump may solve your problem.

 

I was very surprised myself however I picked up a set of tires today and going to have them installed and re-aligned next week.

AuZZie I see you are in Canada if you don't mind me asking where do you have your vehicle serviced?