I replaced a Power Steering pump on a Jeep Cherokee a while back, and it too whined for a while. I suspect it is normal until all the air has worked its way out of the lines, because after a day or two, all was fine.
it requires a special pressure release tool
You do have to take the steering column apart including the air bags. Due to the possiblilty of deploying the air bags and the complicated steering column, I suggest you take it to a garage.
There is no power steering filter
No, it doesn't
All Ford Taurus power steering systems take MERCON V Transmission Fluid.
No. The serpentine belt controls A/C, alternator, water pump, power steering pump, and that is it. And if the belt is replaced properly, it will not cause damage to anything.
According to the 2002 Ford Taurus Owner Guide : ( Motorcraft MERCON automatic transmission fluid is used as the power steering fluid )
Transmission Range sensor evidently is the answer. This is called a couple of different names but located on top of transaxle. I have same problem with just power steering getting stiff after replacing the pump and rack & pinion.
Try checking the power steering fluid. My taurus did the same thing until i filled the power steering fluid.
According to the 1998 Ford Taurus Owner Guide : ( Motorcraft MERCON automatic transmission fluid is used as the power steering fluid )
probably
Could be a bad wheel bearing