A few tips for you from the Service Manual;
1. Make sure the fluid is hot to check the fluid level;
Run the engine until the fluid reaches about 80C (170F), then turn the engine off. Inspect the fluid level on the capstick, and ensure that the level is at the Hot/Full/Max mark on the capstick. If it's low, more fluid needs to be added.
(The owner's manual says to allow the engine to cool to room temperature and the level should be between MAX & MIN)
2. Inspect the fluid for the following indications of contamination;
- Milky fluid - water
- Brown fluid - burnt
- Plastic debris or dirt chunks
If it is contaminated, the system needs to be flushed.
And here's one that isn't in the owner's manual, but I've seen a number of people do when they are backing into a parking spot;
3. CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel in the full turn position longer than 5 seconds, as damage to the steering pump may result.
The Service Manual has a 13 step test for leaks, a 17 step test for
Rattle, Clunk, or Shudder Noise, and a 11 step test for
Whine or Growl noise.
But nothing about "crunching" - so I'd suggest picking one of the
bolded terms that's already in the Service Manual that the tech can follow.