Keep in mind, when you decide to do what Smackdaddy says (which I agree with), you may be able to procure the individual damaged parts, but you will be installing them into a used housing that may look fine, but will have wear. By the time you replace that, might as well buy the assembly. Also, your time is worth $$ also. I bet once you price out all the parts, it will be similar to replacing the unit.
Just another opinion…
Thanks all and obviously sage advice. Good call on the short term vs long term impact to the seals and o-rings. I think I will refrain from the conditioning fluid.
As for the rebuild, the next trip (this weekend) will determine what I do next. Candidly, this is the best season of the year and then the weather gets unpleasant. I will be rebuilding the pump, but I would like to push the job off few more weeks as long as the system is reliable.
Having studied the way the helm pump works and the specific issue I am dealing with, I am not at risk of losing steering while underway. There is positive pressure on the cylinder, no leaks, and no air. The only issue I am dealing with is manifesting in changing directions when going “lock to lock”. The flush eliminated most of that and I am now back to the same delayed movement of the shuttle valve that I (unknowingly) have been dealing with for about a year now.
So, a rebuild is in my future, just a matter of when.
@Tarponhead, a lot will depend on what I see when I get in there, but the rebuild kit was $23, so unless the metal components are corroded, this is just a matter of removing sludge and replacing seals. If I get in there and find damage to pistons, housing, or cant get the thing apart, ai will probably just replace the whole thing with a reconditioned unit.
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Sounds like a good plan IMO. I think you will be fine until the weather gets nasty. Good luck, and post the pictures when you take it apart, I have never been in one. But I guess I could pull up a exploded diagram on the web.
This video gives you a really good view of what’s going on in that mysterious device. 
As far as I can tell, the particular issue in mine is shown at the 8 minute mark. That valve is sticking, so I’m guessing there is either some sludge/build up in that area or one of the o-ring seals is bad.
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After looking at that, 2 more cents: if the bores or any surfaces on the pistons are worn/scored when you disassemble it, get a new unit. It will never seal properly and will give you problems. The hydraulics are under high pressure and will wear the seals fast if not running on a smooth bore.
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Good call. Hopefully it will be clean. But if not, I will star a go fund me for a new one! 
For the love of Pete!!! 
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I wonder if my tilt mechanism will work w/ that.
I got an arm stretcher I can sell ya!
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