Startup noise in the steering department

So on cold days I get a groan on startup that is associated with my steering on a 2001 tacoma. After about two - three minutes it goes away. I know it is not belt tension or fluid level. It is almost as if the fluid is viscous due to the temperature. Another clue is steering is a bit looser and dies not correct itself like I think bit should. To remedy this last problem I replaced the rack guide and it helped a bit. I know when a power steering pump dies the steering gets hard but this is the opposite.

My thoughts are possibly a dying steering rack. Any test out there before I just replace it?

 

lucas power steering stop leak. use as directed. if the groan goes away, u got a leaking pump. its more or less of a bandaid while u save for a new pump.

 

My 96 would make a squeal at start up on cold days. What fixed it was removing the PS reservoir and cleaning the fine mesh screen in the bottom. It didn't look dirty to me but that fixed it.

 

Thank you. I just bought some Lucas fluid and plan on cleaning and flushing everything in the morning