Power steering groan

[JHZR2]

Sometimes in my 83 300D, when it is above say 60 degreesm and the car hgas been run for a long while, after I turn it off for some time then turn it back on, when I first move the wheel end to end a couple times I get a groaning sound. It is definitely in the power steering system, as my front end is brand new.

I have flushed the PS system twice now, the last time this past summer. The fluid is still clear enough that I can see down to the filter inside.

My steering box has a bit of play (which doesnt seem to go away by doing the steering box adjustment), but the car handles and responds fine. Plus, after I have driven it for a couple minutes, or turned the wheel quite a bit either way a few times, all is well.

Sometimes if Im driving on a straight highway, for a real long time then get off and turn the wheel a lot more, it does the groan too. Perhaps some fluid is flowing out of the rack/box and then the groan is because it has to get re-pumped back in? I do not have any PS fluid leaks.

Any info would be great. Thanks very much,

JMH