Power Steering Pump Going?

[Neil]

When turning hard is my my '99 Z28 convertible I periodically hear a loud 'groaning' noise that I assume is comming from the power steering. The steering does not get harder though. The car has 110k miles on it and the Power Steering fluid has never been changed, but the level is fine. Also, I have 17' wheels with 275/40 tires (SS Wheeels and tires) which I understand puts additional stress on the power steering.

If it is the power steering, what typically gets replaced? - Just the pump? How hard is it to do? Anything else it could be?

[SR71]

Try lucas power steering stop leak. My rack and pinion was leaking pretty good and it's slowed it down alot and has helped with all the noises the pump makes during hard turns. Turns a lot smoother and easier too, so it should help with the "groaning". But if the problems runs deeper that, I would imagine that changing the pump should solve most of the problems long as the pinion isn't leaking. Good luck.