2002 passat glx with 76,000 miles making a humming noise when i turn the wheels. not sure if it's a steering fluid issue or something more serious. also, i had a full systems diagnostic performed on the car 1 month ago and there was no mention of any problems with the steering/fluid, etc. however there was mention of the rear brakes being close to replacement. any ideas?

when turning one way only and making noise is most likely a wheel bearing. when turning it puts more pressure on one side and causes it to make noise.

check fluid in front diff. the check the wheel bearings

I would go back to the oil change place. Fluid levels are their responsibility and you should have a trail of fluid from the leak. If you had no problems before the oil change and immediately after you have problems, then they are the people to talk to.

There are some basic systems that are to be checked when doing an oil change. Power steering fluid, washer fluid, and auto trans fluid are normal items the shops keep on hand to put in cars.

Now cars with rear differentials and standard transmissions are checked on request. Your problem is something that should normally be checked by a shop doing an oil change.

Some of the better shops grease the fittings, check the belts, spray the battery connections and check the Antifreeze.

If the Power steering was out of fluid, the pump may be damaged. There are also different fluids to use for each car company.

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the now is your power steering pump. check your power steering fluid and refill if necessary. if fluid is full then you may just have a clogged or damged power steering hose.

I'd guess wheel bearing is bad.

hallo
if power steering fluid is bubbly, means that its sucking air somewhere before(sucking side) (or on) power steering pump. that would explain the noise. Check (when cold) fluid level. if level is low, top up before starting the car. had a lot of cars that high preasure hose was leacking fluid on restricting valve. if so, fluid comes out on the end of protecting cover of the hose. (driver side on spark plugs and down the engine). replace hose with original. do not try to make it your self, becouse steering wheel will shake, sinse restracting valve is missing.
But if you press brake pedal, that has nothing to do with it.
Marko

this is simply a fluid issue try draining steering fluid and replacing it make sure to start car after top up and turn steering full lock a few times in each direction and top up to max as required done

Your power steering pump has gone bad. Consider replacing it. I had the same problem before.

It moans when u turn at a stand still but rolls freely when in motion?

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this is either a loose belt, or low power steering fluid. Remember that Honda uses a diffrent power steering fluid from everyone else. Make sure it is a Honda compatable fluid, or you will get leaks.

it sounds like you've got a really bad leak in a hose/pump/reservoir

plus, power steering fluid isn't the greatest for cleaning the engine with ;)

Keep an eye on the serpentine belt, b/c the leaking fluid might eat it up and cause premature failure.