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Zman, the powersteering pump does turn quite easy by hand but it also robs power. I've seen it suggested the difference was 3% better fuel economy(on EPA's test cycle) from using an electric powersteering setup instead of a belt driven hydraulic power steering. It was somewhere on Chevy's website about the Cobalt's power steering. The belt running over the pump still generates a good amount of resistance. The performance guys have seen the difference on a dynamometer for years.
My dad's '89 Regal's power steering pump hasn't been working for awhile, I took the belt off to check it's resistance and it didn't have any. I've driven it a few times and like everyone says, the only problem is fighting the wheel at crawling speed or slower. Manual racks are a little bit lighter than power steering racks too. I'd put a manual rack in my truck if I was going to rebuild it. That and eliminate the whole belt system with electric accessories.
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-Allch Chcar
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