Power steering fluid on the ground. (1998 jetta gl)

Follow steering coloumn into engine compartment, have someone turn steering wheel with front wheels off the ground(jack up car) Look to see what is turning and what is not.

First thing you need to do is pinpoint the source of the leak EXACTLY, clean off all the fluid and then put some fluid in the system, have someone start the car and while the car is supported securely off the ground go under and locate the leak, wear safety goggles so fluid doesn't get in your eyes.

I suggest only using power steering fluid in the power steering system in VW Jetta's. I tried using trans. fluid before and it made the pump wine constantly especially when cold and I had to purge the system and refill it with power steering fluid to get it to stop.

Its th power fluid level fill up? Do u have any leaks? Power steering hose break or wet. ? U may be loosing pressure ar low in fluid.

Standard Differential, Rear 8.8 and 9.75 RG......GL-5
All TEMPS......75W-140 [3]
SEVERE GEAR 75W-140 Synthetic EP Lubricant (SVOQT)
80W-140 Synthetic Long Life Gear Lube (FGO05)
Limited Slip Differential, Rear 8.8 and 9.75 RG......GL-5*
All TEMPS......75W-140 [4] [3]
SEVERE GEAR 75W-140 Synthetic EP Lubricant (SVOQT)
80W-140 Synthetic Long Life Gear Lube (FGO05)
Differential, Front 8.8 RG......GL-5
All TEMPS......80W-90
SAE 80W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube (AGLQT)
SEVERE GEAR 75W-90 Synthetic EP Lubricant (SVGQT)
75W-90 Synthetic Long Life Gear Lube (FGRQT)
SEVERE GEAR 75W-110 Synthetic EP Lubricant (SVTQT)
Transfer Case,......MA
Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATFQT)
Torque-Drive Synthetic Transmission Fluid (ATD1G)
Fluids
Power Steering Fluid......MA
Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATFQT)
Power Steering Fluid......MA
Torque-Drive Synthetic Transmission Fluid (ATD1G)
Brake Fluid......HB
AMSOIL Brake Fluid DOT-3 (BF3SN)
Clutch Fluid......HB
AMSOIL Brake Fluid DOT-3 (BF3SN)

There should a bottle on the left top of your engine with a cap saying POWER STEERING FLUID. open that cap and check if there is fluid in it. Good luck

Do not use DOT 3 brake fluid in a power steering pump. It will eat away all of the seals and hoses. If you are looking at power steering fluid, any power steering fluid will work. If we are talking about brake fluid, Then yes use DOT 3 brake fluid or DOT 4 break fluid. The top of the master cylinder should tell you which to use.

power steering pump... with a lil luck it may just need tightened( belt anyways) but with even more luck it could just need some fluid. sure thing it seems to be power steering.weather its bad or not depends on it the belt is tight and if its full on fluid. let me know ,sammy

First and foremost, (if not already done) check the powersteering resevoir to make sure it has fluid and it is full as well as having no leaks. If it's leaking you may see small dark areas where you frequently park, on the ground. If it is full, there is a chance you need a new one, a hose/line is broken or has a hole (leak). A mechanic is your best choice to find this out. If the resevoir is empty or low, (can be checked hot or cold; look for level indicators for each on dipstick); fill it up and drive for a day or two - check the fluid again (make note of any difference in steering after filling. Powersteering pump may also be belt driven, so make sure the belt is tight (no cracks, etc.) may need to replace belt.

somewhere there is a air leak on the suction side of the pump.  Try tightening the clamps and connections.