power steering issues

[davidpertuz@mindspring.com]

Well....my '93 SE-R's power steering is
getting a bit cranky. Recently noticed
low fluid level and subsequently found
leak, apparently coming from the one
expen$ive hose (the one with the banjo
fitting on the strut tower.) Currently
using PS fluid with stop-leak and will
later graduate to a hose-clamp solution
if necessary (don't wanna replace the
hose if I don't really, really have to)

But...

Symptoms are "notchiness" in the steering
right after I fire it up cold in the
morning - it feels sort of as if the
assist is stuttering on and off, or some-
what as if the travel tself is irregular.
This only happens when the car has been
sitting a long time and is cold, and only
occurs once.

Could anything other than low fluid be
causing this? I know the belt is old and
needs to be replaced - dunno if a slipping
belt could do it. Starving pump? Bubbles
in the system? I did bleed it a couple of
weeks ago per the FSM. I don't even want
to think about the rack...

thanks for any advice.

david