Noticed a big puddle of ATF under the front end Friday when I came out from a store. Steering felt a little notchy and stiff but it got me home. I figured it was the O-ring.
Got home and let it cool. Pulled the belt off and turned the pulley by hand. It was not very smooth. Ruh-roh. The pump is toasted. The fluid was puking out from behind the pulley. Big mess.
But - luckily on my old engine there was a spare power steering pump intact
Cleaned it up and installed it. Took a little while to get the steering smooth again. Almost a quart of fluid went in. But it's working smoothly now.
I love happy endings.