At a cold start in the morning, power steering is very difficult to turn, almost impossible to get out of a parallel parking spot. After a few minutes of driving everything works fine, even at idle.

Vacuum hoses are ok, plenty of fluid. There is a very small leak from the rack so I need to replace the bushings.

Trying to figure out where to start:

Perhaps air in the system and a flush is in order?
The pump needs to be cleaned and rebuilt, new seals etc?
Replace bushings but I am not sure if they are contributing to the issue?

 

Does this happen at any temperature ??

Have you ever changed the fluid??

Is it the correct fluid??

Replacing bushings will not help a leak perhaps you meant seals

 

Ambient temp has no impact, just after it hasn't been run in a few hours the steering is noticeably stiff until it has been idling for a few minutes. No issues after that.

I've never changed the fluid, it's the first thing I'll try to remedy the issue. I understand you're supposed to use ATF vs power steering fluid.

Indeed I meant seals in the rack.

 

Changing fluid will help. After change, lift front end up and turn wheels from stop to stop several times to bleed air out of the system. You can do with the tires on the ground but will be less stress on steering and your arm, while idling.