Steering rack failure - possible without leaking?

Just replaced my PS pump for the second time in a month due to harder to turn than normal steering. The first replacement seemed to help a little but certainly did not eliminate a harder than normal steering wheel.

Figuring that the re-man PS pump I got from NAPA was bad (this was the 2nd I've used, the previous one lasted 100k miles), I replaced it with another.

Steering sensation did not change an ounce. I've bled the pump by first turning the wheel lock to lock a dozen times with the tires lifted in the air and the engine off, then setting the front end down, running the engine, and turning lock to lock (with a lot of difficulty) and holding it at each end of the wheel's travel for several seconds (which causes the pump to groan).

Is it possible for the rack to be the culprit - even though there is no leakage coming from anywhere in the system?

Edited to add: Steering is also failing to return to center after turning, which makes me suspect the rack even more. I've just never heard of one failing (on the hydraulic side of things) without leaking.

 

I don’t know the answer to your question but if you’re thinking of replacing the rack, consider these guys:
https://www.cvjreman.com/

Better quality than what you’d get at your local chain store.

Good luck!

 

Have you checked the intermediate steering shaft yet? Once the u-joint dries up it's a BEAR to turn. Usually starts by getting jerky, sudden and random OH MY GOD I'M ABOUT TO GO INTO THE DITCH moments, but it's possible that yours skipped all those fun steps and went straight to "must be body builder to turn wheel" mode.

That's where I'd start. Cheapest route, too.

 

Omfg. A couple winters back the intermediate shaft on my truck started binding mid turn.

No and fun and was replaced shortly thereafter. No issues since.

 

When bleeding the air out, doing it without engine running will not accomplish much