[W126 Coupe] Power Steering Weak

[Alexander Hochhausl]

Hi All,
 
A strange thing is going on. Last week my power steering got weaker (all
at once, not gradual, and stayed that way) - more effort required at the
wheel, not like it's not working, but I'd say 25% more than normal & and
is the same at idle or driving. Normal play at steering wheel, and
returns to straight by itself when driving. Fluid is normal, no bubbles.
Pump sounds normal, no gurgling or loud sound. I lifted the front end
and can turn the front wheels by hand with normal effort. Is there any
kind of compensator that adjusts pump pressure to change based on
driving speed? I did break a temperature / vacuum switch on the intake
manifold which I am waiting to replace, but otherwise I can't see
anything wrong. My next step would be to put a pressure gauge on the
pump output to see if it's the pump or the gearbox. Does anyone know
what the pressure should be? Any other thoughts would be appreciated. 
 
Thanks in advance!
 
Alex H
89 560 SEC (Supercharged)
81 380 SLC
 
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