I just replaced my power steering pump with a brand new one (not reman'd). Before ever turning the engine on, I did a full flush to ensure all old fluid was out of the system with the front wheels lifted off the ground. I then installed a new inline filter (Edelman Elite) along the return line. After that, I bled the system and "burped" out whatever additional air had been introduced back into the system by turning the wheel back and forth from lock to lock several times. I then started the car and to be safe, did another bleed sequence, turning the wheel back and forth a few more times. Through all of this, I ensured fluid was continually topped off as needed.

All sounded well until I dropped my car back on the ground and took it for a little test drive. With any little turn of the wheel I noticed a groaning noise that wasn't there before I replaced it. (The old one had been making a knocking/clunking sound shortly before failing).

I then promptly brought the car back home, turned the engine back off and lifted the front end once more. Fluid level was still at the right level so I did another bleed sequence. No frothy bubbles, no air or burping sounds and fluid level remained the same during this process.

So I turned the engine on again and turned the wheel back and forth a few more times. And yet, the groaning sound was still there with each turn of the wheel.

What gives? A brand new pump shouldn't be making any groaning noise when the wheel is turned, right?

Or is there some sort of break in period or need for it all to get warmed up thoroughly for the groaning noise to go away?

Car is 2002 GMC Yukon XL by the way (essentially a Chevy Suburban).