Power steering leak

Not a common problem. Your leak is probably coming from the steering rack return hose to the pump, at the location you note (the pump is at the other end of the engine). It may have been damaged from road debris. You will probably have to replace the entire hose. Be careful - the smallest amount of contamination in the fluid circuit will screw up the rack, and that is big $$$ to replace.

Too much fluid is in the pump. After purging the air out of the lines stop the engine and let it settle before checking fluid level in the pump.

Place a sheet of white paper underneath in the proximity of pump and rack. or anything that will show the leak. If you have a set of ramps that would help as well. clean underneath and roll up on ramps check for leaks while running. Or if you have jack stands , puy on that and have someone turn lock to lock while you look for any leaks. I wouldnt just start throwing parts at it

bad seal/ bearing on the power steering pump or p/s gearbox. could also be a bad hose or resevoir.

Hi,
The most likely cause of this is a leaking or severed hose or cracked power steering reservoir
WITH THE ENGINE OFF. I would get a good flashlight and locate the pump under the hood and closely examine the pump and trace the hoses from it.
I would go so far as to pull on the hoses to see if one is completely separated.
Something should show up.
I hope this helps.
Best,
Mark

Going by your description it sounds like you have a transmission leak and not a power steering leak. It seems like the input shaft is where your problem is. To verify this you need to jack the car up and get under there and actual see where the fluid is coming from.

90% of the time the problem is not the pump, but the hose connections. Detach the connections, clean any debis on the threads and reattach. Be careful not to cross thread when reattaching and don't over-tighten. Making a connection too tight might warp the connection and cause a leak. In severe cases you may need to replace the hoses. They are available at most auto parts store and will save you $$ over going to a dealer.

check the power steering hoses. from the pump.. there's a high pressure line...if this one gets a crack, it'll leak alot...it's under pressure, the return line is not under pressure but it can leak just the same... wipe the hoses down and run the car, you'll be able to find the leak... also check the pump housing...for cracks.
Hoses are available from local parts houses... be sure to refill with only recommended type of fluid...don't cross mix types.

then you need to check the hoses on your power steering pump

If you have checked the belt (it still has one that is) the grinding noise will be the pump but the loss of fluid could also be the steering rack at fault, try to find out where its leaking from