My power steering had a leak in the return hose (I am guessing that is what it is), the little rubber one near the pump. I replaced that hose and filled the resevior back up, but my power steering is spotty at best. One second I have it and then mid turn it's gone. Or I don't have it and then suddenly it's on again. As you can imagine this makes driving dangerous and difficult.

 

Did I ruin my pump when the fluid leaked out? Is there air in the line? Or ....

Lift front wheels off the ground, and turn wheels lock to lock a number of times, while ensuring proper level in the reservoir. This should bleed out any air in the system.

Letting a power steering system sit overnight will usually help most of the air out. Also turning the wheels back and forth several times in a row, holding it at each lock for a couple of seconds will do a lot. If the pump is making kind of a whrrring noise that is definatly audible, then there is still air in the pump. Also take note of the fluid, if it is kind of pink, and frothy, then there is still A LOT of air in the system, at that point, the best bet is to let it sit. Then go at it again in the morning.