The seals stopped the foaming. I hosed out the reservoir with brake cleaner several times then rinsed with steering fluid.

I will check the suction hose.

 

If it's not foaming any longer, then I don't think the problem is related to air sucking in anywhere.

 

Any thoughts on why it's so hard to turn?

 

Not really.

Can you rule out steering-column alignment and excessive friction up in the steering column? I hate to say that might require disconnecting the steering column down near the rack (easy for ME to say) to see whether the difficulty is in the rack or pump at all.

 

It's odd because other than the foaming the steering was fine prior to replacing the pump seals. I opened and cleaned the valves on the rack I'll see how it is when I have the car back on the ground, hopefully by tomorrow.

 

If the steering feels light & easy with the engine turned off and the front wheels raised off the ground, then its not a steering column problem.

If the valves are messed up inside the rack, that might explain the steering not having any power-assist. Not sure how you'd check those out. I've never rebuilt the internals of a rack.

 

Ok thanks. I'll figure it out eventually

 

Replaced the ps pump, no change.

 

Is PS fluid foaming on return to reservoir? If no and fluid is circulating, then PS rack may be the problem.

good luck