I had been noticing my steering getting stiffer. I planned to replace all the front end bushings, ball joints, and tie rods as preventive maintenance and just to renew the feel of the car. While doing that I replaced the power steering pump. After getting it all back together, the suspension feels wonderful, but the steering has not improved. Is there valving in the rack or somewhere in the system that could be affecting this? The system has been properly bled so I know that is not the problem, and I believe the lines are open. Any suggestions as to where to look next? Thanks.

 

Jack it up so the front two wheels are both off the ground, then, engine OFF, try the steering to and fro a full turn of the steering wheel in each direction. You may hear a squeak, and it may still be difficult to turn even with no load on the wheels. If so it is highly likely the rack seals have gone home. I had this about a year ago.
If still stiff, you can be sure it is the rack, if you disconnect the tie rod end balljoints from the steering arms and redo the test. Even then might JUST be possible it is the lower steering column UJ where it joins onto the rack tower splines. If you then undo this and repeat the test by pushing and pulling a tie rod, if the rack is still stiff then it is a rack rebuild. Also you can just try the steering wheel when the UJ is disconnected from the rack, to be sure the column is not binding.