Power steering issues, 91 Vanagon

[ChrisandGabrielle]

1991 Vanagon, working on the power steering system. New lines installed, new pump put in. Started leaking from somewhere in back (pump? reservoir?). Tried to tighten banjo bolts and broke the high pressure line bolt. Oops. New one on order. Not sure if the pump (new, Danish, Van Cafe) is leaking or the bolt. Took the belt off and plugged the high pressure bolt hole. Driving without power steering. (No worries as we have an '82 van without ps anyway). Problem now is that power steering fluid seems to be leaking like crazy, apparently from the reservoir, especially on tight turns, 3 point turns. From both big cap and small cap it seems. Why it is under pressure when the belt is off is confusing. I tried to tighten them both after removal and inspection. Gasket on small cap is good, big black cap gasket might be thin (?) Maybe that was what was leaking? Any thoughts? Should we unhook electrical connection to pump?

[syncrodoka]

As you cycle the steering rack back and forth the fluid inside it will cycle in and out. A sealed system needs to be maintained.
The electrical wires won't have any effect on the system if there isn't positive pressure on the system.

[ChrisandGabrielle]

The high pressure line is bagged and taped closed, but not connected to the pump (as the banjo bolt is broken). Why is there so much pressure on the reservoir if the hose is not attached? Bag seems to be holding. Any thoughts? Not sure I understand "a sealed system needs to be maintained". Could I have put the hoses on the wrong tubes on the reservoir? I think they are different sizes, so you can't do that... Will it hurt the system if the fluid all leaks out?