Cut open p/s reservoir?

I have to replace my rack and pinion in my 99. Already replaced the ps pump but it's grinding again.

I cleaned the reservoir best I could, but I've got two issues. The rack is leaking and the reservoir has so much gunk in it. What would be the harm in using a band saw to cut the reservoir in half to clean, then welding it back together?

 

Seems like a chemical wash would be a lot easier...........

If you don't want to mess with it at home call a machine shop and see what they'd want to hot tank it for you.

 

Will that get rid of the carbon and sediment in the reservoir? The way these things are built you cannot get much gunk out of it.

 

I do have a slow leak on both sides of my rack, on the boots. What I'm wondering is if the pump is starving for fluid because of all the crap in the res. I've probably screwed this new pump.

 

Hot tanking is the process a quality machine shop uses to clean used blocks and heads after disassembly, prior to machining.

I don't see a reservoir being an issue.