Audi A$ 1.9D is this power steering?

[pbassred]

My steering has got heavy at low speed (tire pressures are correct). It always has made steering pump noise noise at full lock now there is more when ever steering force is applied. - Ok that's a steering thing.

In the last 100 miles most right hand turns have a certain amount of noise.
Yesterday I needed to make a hard right turn next to a wall which reflected the whirring/grating sound back to me. (useful). Later I pulled out of a driveway while making a hard right turn. As I reved up the noise increased. - I was thinking that it was a driveshaft thing until I realized that it is engine speed related. Then possibly the diff slipping?

I'm just thinking now that It could all be the SAME root cause. Power steering pump? Does that grate under load?

[fourringsrus]

First thing to check is,is there any fluid in the power steering system.
With no fluid you will get squeeling at early stages and worse the longer you use it whilst dry, until eventually you will kill the pump, so check and if possible top up and hope you have not killed the pump

[pbassred]

Fully topped up. I should have mentioned that.

[fourringsrus]

Had you previously been running it whilst low or dry, have you had a leak prior to the noise issues'
Wouldn't be surprised if you have a previous leak, maybe before your ownership, and somebody filled with incorrect fluid, the system does not use normal ATF/power steering fluid, it uses a mineral oil, if somebody has incorrectly filled with ATF the fluid will contaminate the system and damage the seals, causing leaks and damaging the pump due to starvation.
Good luck

[pbassred]

I've have had it for 6 years. In that time the level has not moved. The previous owners were all non-mechanics who had it garage serviced. Anyway regardless of any previous lack of maintenance by previous owners, I still need to find out what the fault actually is and which part to change.

[zollaf]

have the freewheel pulley on the alternator checked for correct operation and replace if seized.