93 240sx - Steering rack noise even while not running

[armaddon]

Hi guys - subject pretty much describes problem.

Been running fine, til one morning I go to drive to work and a couple things were odd. PS belt started squealing - I had just replaced it and realized it was a little loose so I replaced it with a slightly smaller belt and tightened it to spec, and the squeal went away. That was about 2 months ago. Since, I've started getting a groaning noise when I turn the wheels. I jacked the front end up and had a buddy turn it lock to lock with the engine off and the noise stopped, so I figured it might just need a little grease on the various joints by the tire - did that, and it began feeling noticeably easier to turn. However, soon as I dropped the car and turned the wheel the noise came back.. Got out a stethoscope and discovered the noise is coming from the steering rack itself. Noticed my fluid was pretty brown, so I drained and refilled, but the noise doesn't seem to be any better or worse.

Power steering pump itself seems to be making a bit of a whine itself, so I'm assuming it probably needs to be replaced, but I couldn't find ANY debris in the fluid I drained so I'm not so sure about the rack. There's nothing visibly wrong, and it still turns with no issues aside from the noise. Is there anything I should try? I'll try running it for awhile and re-flushing the fluid, but I would've figured if that was gonna fix the issue it would have made at least SOME difference by now.

Any ideas? Thanks!

[armaddon]

Tie rod bellows were both worn open at the rack and COMPLETELY dry inside.. Couldn't tell at all when wheels were straight since the bellows lined up perfectly on the rack. Put some grease on the exposed power steering shaft (whatever the part would be called that the tie rod attaches to) and had buddy turn wheel lock to lock a couples times - noise completely gone. Did a temporary fix (bearing grease, rubber glove, some tape) until the new bellows arrive.

Little embarrassing