2000 Freightliner Century Power steering intermittent

I had flushed out the system and replaced filter. Added fresh fluid. Started the truck and watched the resivoire. the level did not go down. As I turned the steering wheel to the right . The level stayed the same until I reached full turn. At that time the level rapidly went down and filled the system. I then turned the wheel to the left with a lot of resitance. Once got to the left stop and let the pump circulate the fluid. Turned the wheel back and no difference. Rotated the wheel back and forth several times in hopes the system status changed. No difference , Disconnecting the pitman arm from the steering box and try to narrow the issue down more . The trucks front tires are off the ground and the steering is still way hard.
Vic

 

Just flushed out the system and replaced the filter. Added the fluid. Started the truck and watched the fluid level. No change. As I rotated the steering wheel I watched the level and no difference till I turned the wheel all the way to the right . Then the level dropped , I topped off the system and turned the wheel back the other direction with a lot of resistance like no power steering. I stopped at the full turn to the left and allow the system to purge itself. Still real hard like no power steering. The truck front is off the ground , still real hard.
Going to remove the pitman arm and determine if this resistance is coming from the gearbox and not the suspension.

 

tried that but even with a little air the steering should gradually get better . I did notice yesterday that when I started and let it idol , I did notice some fluid movement in the resivoire . When I turned the steering it was easy again but not correct but better. When I turned from loc to loc . That movement of steering fluid in the resivoire ceased and the steering was real hard again.
Spoke to a heavy equipment mechanic friend yesterday and from his experience in the industry , it sounded like a pump issue.

 

I had to order the pump but will replace all the hoses when new is installed. Going tomarrow , look down the hoses and blow air through each to see if there is anything going on on the inside of them.

 

Dextron II is the fluid recomended. My new pump was $229.00 shipped to my door step . Found a new TRW pump on e bay Every where else wanted $450.00 on up and the made up hoses were $65.00.
Will be receiving the pump early next week and get it installed. Will follow up at that time.
Vic