I have just finished rebuilding my power steering pump and partially filled the unit ( approximately one-third full, I estimate ). No issues, no leaks - well at least while it is static and not under pressure. I’m wondering if anyone else has noticed, prior to reinstallation, that when the pulley is manually turned, it rotates smoothly for about 2/3 of a revolution and the remaining 1/3 is under some tension - like a bit of resistance. Is this normal ? Does this represent the phase when the pump would be ‘forcing’ the fluid through the system ? Any thoughts or recollections in this regard would be most helpful !
I remember the rebuilt pump on my 70 acted like that too. Probably air bubbles in there that won’t get worked out until it’s run while connected to the rest of the system.