Power Steering Pump problems of the 2000 Chevrolet 1500

In early January I noticed on tv there was a recall on the 2000 Chevrolet silverado. For the driveshaft on the power steering unit. I own a 2000 chevy silverado, how long does the manufacturer have to notify the owners on the recall? or are they required to do so. I believe there was another recall some time back on same model for the cable straps( tailgate support) but never heard a thing from the dealer. I made a phone call on Feb 4 to the local dealer regarding the power steering and he had not heard of any such recall. This I kind of a sore subject for me because with only 45,000 miles on my pickup I had to have the seals replaced on the power steering unit due to leakage, in my judgment they wore out prematurely. That cost me $236. 00, is there a connection between the driveshaft on the unit and the seals wearing prematurely? I believe I should be reimbursed for the $236. 00 if in fact there is a recall.