Hello all,
I'm trying to diagnose the steering problem in my 90 240 170,000.

The steering is real stiff especially when slow turning to left, (backing out of the garage) when car is first started or weather is cold. It gets a little better after is warms up but tight steering in parking lots takes more effort that it should.

I've done the following to try and fix this
-flushed PS fluid through return line with many quarts of new ATF as advised on the board here.
(found no real metal particals after hanging a strong magnet in resevour) this helped some but not like I thought it would.
-I've also replaced the lower steering u-joint without noticeable improvement.

- replaced the outer tie-rod ends and ball joints as well.
I did notice that the drivers side outer tie-rod I replaced seems to have loosened up, more space than previously after job was completed, I did torque to specified specs.
The driver side rubber boot(around inner tie-rod has a bend in it unlike the other side, straight for the most part.

The front struts look original and I plan on getting them replaced as soon as possible.

Does this point to a bad rack or is the PS pump shot?
There isn't any noise,squealing, when turning.

Thanks for any advice