The early pump was insufficient and was replaced. A junk yard pump from a 2001 or later would be an alternative if it exists. The other problem with the 2000 model was the struts. If the pump got to the state you suspect the struts were undoubtably requiring more pump than the pump could handle. There is a repair technique in a service bulletin for leaks at the vale at the top of the struts.

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Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician