Car is a 72 Chevy, this forum is better than theirs, and I think the pumps are the same.

I believe my last drive before this weekend did something to the power steering system. I am occasionally getting a 4 inch diameter wet spot of PS fluid on the floor under the pump. Pump surface is wet, not actively dripping. Need to turn it on and watch in the garage. Power Assist feel is 80% power, less smooth. It may be the original pump, I will check. Steering feels uniformly impacted with no difference left to right. I understand that there is a high pressure screw that can come undone, and perhaps a bad seal makes it lose pressure force.

I was in the area last summer replacing a water pump so it was hanging oddly for a week while I changed pumps, like by one bolt.

 

Another place to check is the bottom of the steering box. I had a 1968 Cutlass lose a seal and fluid came out around the splined shaft the pitman arm attaches to.

 

X2^ Check the sector shaft seal. If starting to go they will often show up under full lock position.

 

Unfortunately it could be a lot of things. The reservoir on the Saginaw pump is retained by the pressure fitting and two bolts that pass through the reservoir. There are square cross section O-rings between the inside of the reservoir and the pump body at these bolts and the fitting. Check for loose fasteners. Yeah, it can also be the shaft seal at the front. The reduced power assist may be a loose nut on the pressure control valve inside the outlet port.

 

It could also be a cracked hose.

 

Wonderful and amazing. I'm in awe! Great responses and detailed help.