Golf TDI losing power steering fluid

[marmitejar]

I have a 53 Golf TDi which developed a grinding noise when I turned the steering wheel at very low speed. It was impossible to think about driving it. I looked for any answers and someone mentioned the power steering fluid (in the green topped bottle under the bonnet). Mine was way below the 'min', so I got some from the garage which he stated was for my car. Anyway, the grinding stopped and I thought 'Brilliant - its fixed it'. But the grinding came back after one day and doing just 20 miles or so. I looked at the fluid and it was back below the 'min' again. I have also noticed a sort of 'wheezing' sound while I drive. Could this be connected? Does anyone have any ideas on what would be causing the grinding/loss of fluid/wheezing, Much appreciated, Bengo

[zollaf]

if your steering fluid was low, you topped it up, then the next day it was low again, then you have a leak. it might be leaking into the steering rack boots so you don't actually see a leak anywhere, or it could be leaking somewhere else. either way its leaking and thats why the fluid was low. low fluid will cause noises and a lack of assistance as it draws air into the system. fix the leak and the problem will go away.

[marmitejar]

Thanks zollaf. I replaced the steering rack in the end. Got a second hand one and a mate to fit it. Fingers crossed, should be fixed. Bengo