Power steering pump replacement?
 

On my '88 S4 the steering effort at low speeds is noticeably heavy. Several posts have explored this problem, with recommendations to try the non-restrictor hose or using a HO pump. My question: if I install the HO pump, is it also necessary to use the non-restrictor hose? Also, Is there any risk of seal damage in the rack with the higher pressure pump? The rack is a recent rebuild. The car has also just been leveled to the correct ride height and aligned.

IIRC The racks are all the same. I just pulled a '77 rack from my '84 Euro (which looked to be the original rack) and replaced it with a rebuilt '90 model rack. The racks are date stamped.

Why not just rebuilt the pump?

I think the first question, for those that know more about this, is, if the steering is heavy, is it a result of a bad pump? Or does the rack have anything to do with it?
If the pump is the likely culprit, then is there any advantage to going with a HO pump, and would that also require HO hoses, and would those work with the older steering rack, or would you have to install a later model rack to accept the HO pump and hoses?

Usually wider tires make the power assisted steering feel heavier. I perefer the heavier steering, you get a lot more road feedback than with a soft, full power steering.

Couple of questions. Is it true that steering is easier on the the 91 vs 87 928 due to a higher output Power steering pump? If so, has anyone done this exchange and does it really make the steering easier on a pre-91?

I reduced my front tires from 235.40.17 to 225.45.17 and it made a noticeable difference but I would like really like to reduce the steering effort.

I think Nicole has discussed this before. Again, is it just a exchange of pumps on my 87?