My steering was really groaning badly a few days ago, especially at slow speeds and when the engine was cold. I finally checked the PS fluid resevoir, and it was very, very low. Took more than a pint to get the fluid up. I'd just filled it a couple of months ago, and am mystified at where the fluid went. The steering still groans, especially at slow speeds, but not as bad as it was a few days ago. I'm not noticing any big obvious leaks, but this fluid obviously got out somehow. And the continued groaning concerns me.

Question: have I likely done serious damage to my PS pump? Or does the system just need to be bled out somehow? Any recomendations?