97 Passat VR6 Loud Whining noise with Steering

[ssurj]

My 97 Passat vr6 makes this horrid loud whining noise when I start the car, and gets louder if I turn the steering wheel in either direction. Performance is not affected, but I'm afraid I'm losing something, like the power steering unit? It's low on PS Fluid, but not out. Any suggestions what this might be?

[boschmann]

It sounds like a bad p/s pump. Have you checked the belt?

[amorton]

Fill with fluid until it is at the proper level. If it continues to make noise...new p/s pump.