So I had a reman PS rack installed couple of years back. I faithfully use Honda PS fluid. The steering effort is heavy. I bought the special 40mm tool to adjust the rack guide screw. I have loosen it up to achieve a somewhat managable steering effort (still towards the heavy side though and it is hard to use one hand for low speed parking).

There were a couple of pretty cold days in central FL (ok, don't laugh, its consider cold here). On those days, I noticed the steering effort was lighter and much closer to normal. Pump has been rebuilt adn there is no noticeable difference before and after pump rebuild. So it appears the pump output pressure isn't the problem. I generally notice steering effort is lighter when it is colder.

So, my theory is somehow the rebuilt rack used some seal material which requires a heavier PS fluid (higher viscosity) to work properly.

Any thoughts ?