Pwr Steering Gearbox

[Waterloo]

I doubt it is the steering box...

Those power steering pumps do fail...

My power steering pump failed on me at around 900,000 miles, I replaced.

Then at 950,000 my air compressor failed. I replaced that myself in my driveway, power steering pump quickly failed on the new compressor, it would not bleed like you are describing. Jacked up front end, turned wheel multiple times, no go, she would not clear herself of air. Could not bleed it, removed it, and it was puking oil from the gear/compressor side, so off to the dealer for another new pump... Installed new pump, purged air, still going strong.

How old is that pump? Maybe she is just wore out? It was an easy fix, I think three bolts if memory serves me right. Just paint the pump before installing if you get a new one. I use the Cummins brand paint, around $27 a can, expensive, but worth the money in the long run, as it stays put.