Hey guys,
I know you"all have heard this before...My power steering pump started groaning.When it first started was when cold weather hit and if I let the truck sit and warm up I could shut it off and restart it and it would quit...Finally it became constant...I installed a new pump..Same Problem and same scenario...I bled air by turning before starting and then added a little at a time slowly bleeding....Its a 1997 Toyota Tacoma 4wd.2.7 liter engine...It does have rack and pinion...Honest Opinion IM goin crazy what do you experts think...I am getting fluid out of the return line.

 

I am having a similar issue. groaning noise... went away after truck warmed up..thought it was the power steering pump but after some research and getting it checked out, found out it was the rack and pinion. Could be the same problem for you. I plan on replacing mine soon after I find out what brand to buy. rack and pinions run between $230 - $500 however, I am not familiar with any of the manufactures which = more research.