Problems with my TCP rack and KRC pump

Last summer I put on the TCP rack & pinion with the KRC pump. At low idle like in the parking lot or turning the tires when stationary the pump groans and I could feel stuttering but seems fine when rolling down the road. I now have about 600 miles on the system but I took a close look under the car and there is a trace of fluid leakage in the racks gearbox. I initially filled the system with vavoline clear synthetic PS fliud but now it's alot darker with some fine black particles.

I pulled the pump out tonight and pulled the red and blue valves and there is no obstructions in them. I'm wondering if I should take the backing plate off the pump to inspect or could I open a can of worms? It looks fairly simple but I'm not sure whats inside the pump. The only think I could think of is maybe there could be some teflon hose particles (when the fittings were put on) maybe clogged somewhere impeding the flow?

Any input is appreciated.

I called them last summer right away and got the standard response. "check for obstructions in the lines". I didn't get the impression they were very interested in helping me beyond that. But I think I made the tech guy at Chris Alston feel good by getting rid of me right away. I think I have close to 3K tied up in the system, maybe I didn't pay enough for them to care?

If I don't find contamination in the lines, I'll be following up with TCP (Chris Alston) and KRC to see who will stand behind their product. If I left teflon in the lines, I'll take full responsilbility but we were very careful at installation.

Still looking for input on pulling apart the pump if anyone has ideas.