Groaning from PS pump or steering box?

[Honolulu]

Last I ran my car, the power steering pump groaned like crazy, even with no load. Years ago I replaced the fluid with ATF and it ran much better, today the fluid is "not that old" in terms of use and is visibly clear red in the reservoir. IIRC back then the filter at the bottom of the fluid reservoir was also changed. At present the engine is not running (no battery) so I can't simply run without the pump connected. Back in the day my second BMW was a '69 2500 (E3) without power steering and it was a workout to park, so that avenue is not presently attractive to me (and I'm 40 years older).

Is the steering box for a car with PS the same as without PS - essentially if I delete PS in favor of "power steering by Armstrong" will the box and column handle the load?

Today I slacked the pump mounting bolts and removed the belt. Spinning the pulley, there seems to be no detectable play or roughness. Lacking clear signs of trouble, I now wonder whether the pump can groan without detectable mechanical slop in the shaft. I'll do a rebuild myself if needed, following two DIY's on this list, but wonder now if it's the pump or the steering box. Thought I'd ask here first, them maybe an email to Jay Stratton.

Anyone?

 

[Honolulu]

Jay Stratton suggests a loose belt (not), that the filter at the bottom of the reservoir is not allowing free passage of fluid (it's new but I can take it out a run the engine) or that the hose feeding the pump is collapsing from the suction (possible but it seems quite stiff).

I tried to start the engine and got a whole lotta smoke when the B+ wire fried off several inches of insulation - subject for another thread.