Power steering

[Xoloski]

OK here is the update.
I bought a used pump from a '96 sidekick with less than 90K miles. Looks exactly like mine and is real clean.
I removed mine and installed the new one.
Also replaced idler and tensioner bearings, and belts.
Flushed the pump with new Dex III, cleaned the reservoir and lines.
Bled the system by turning the steering wheel lock to lock 40 times running with wheels off the ground. Adjusted the fluid level.
With wheels back on the ground, engine running, turning the steering wheel even a little the new pump groans and steering is hard.
The system actually worked better before this newer pump.

The steering sector gear, has no slop or play and does not leak as one would expect from a worn steering sector.
When I had the front end apart and, tie rods disconnected from the knuckles, I could turn the steering gear with ease.
As a reminder, I replaced front struts, one wheel bearing, repacked the other, rebuilt locking hubs, inspected ball joints, tie rod ends, idler arm.
Guess at this point I will pull and disassemble and inspect the steering sector, unless I get any recommendations from the forum....

to me it seems you are on the right track,/...
wish you luck !

Yesterday I attempted to loosen the steering gear pitman shaft lash adjustment screw, thinking perhaps someone had misadjusted the preload. This did ease the groaning sound a little and added play to the steering wheel. After this failed experiment, I returned the lash to its original setting.