Chevy & GMC Vans

My 1995 safari developed hard steering after I replaced the cooler return line from the power steering to the pump. I replaced one idler arm all the rest of the steering linkage seems okay would worn ball joints cause this they seem okay? I was wondering if I had to bleed that system after I changed that cooler line?

Make sure the hose isn't kinked. If the ball joints and tie rods haven't been greased, they definitely could cause hard steering. To bleed the lines, jack the van up so the tires are off the ground and rotate the steering wheel back and forth lock to lock about 20 - 30 times. Do this with the engine off. Keep an eye on the fluid level while doing this. If there are a lot of air bubbles in the fluid, let it sit for a few minutes before starting the engine.