Power Steering Problem

[Shawn T]

Recently my power steering has been giving me fits. The wheel won't turn on a standstill or under 2mph. If it does, it is extremely hard to steer. I can't park anywhere that requires any kind of low speed manuvers. Fluid level is good, no pump "whine". I don't think the pump is freezing up because I have not heard the belt slip. My experiences with bad pumps is that they tend to "whine" (sound like and 80's style Furd). There is a little residue on the outside of the pump, like it could have gotten hot and overflowed, but only a little. My warranty just expired and this is a major problem that hinders my truck badley. Where do I start? I have never had the power steering act like this unless the pump was bad, but no appearant signs. I just don't want to start swapping parts. Could it be the damper? Help. BTW truck in sig.

[Shaners]

I wonder if there is something bound up in the gear box.