I started hearing a grinding noise when I turned the wheel and I thought I might just be able to add some power steering fluid but it looks like I can't do that what is your suggestion because now it is increasingly difficult to turn the wheel

Were the top strut bearings changed?

You don't turn the steering wheel, unless
your have the vehicle moving or off the ground

Do you flush the power steering fluid every 3 years,
when you do the trans fluid every 3 years?

hi Eva.
As you turn your steering wheel it is this fluid pressure that aids in turning the wheels of your car. ... If the pump impeller is trying to move power steering fluid and starts catching air bubbles it can cause whining noises and vibrations to occur.
Maybe you've heard it at a stop light. Maybe you've heard it as you pass a car on the freeway. Or maybe you've heard it in the parking lot at work when someone is leaving. The unmistakable whine of a power steering pump can make even the most confident mechanic wonder when that car will breakdown.
Power steering pump noise is a unique noise that your car may make and once you've heard it you always know what it is. The noise is a mix of a whirring and a whining and will always vary with the speed of your engine whether your car is driving or in park. This whining noise can be subtle or extremely loud and may be worse in colder weather, or right when you first start your car.
Power steering pumps are most often vain style centrifugal pumps that are tasked with pressurizing the power steering fluid and pushing it down to your power steering gear or rack. As you turn your steering wheel it is this fluid pressure that aids in turning the wheels of your car.
There are a few reasons why you are hearing power steering pump noise from your car. First, it may simply be due to the design of the pump. Sometimes, noisy power steering pumps can continue to work flawlessly for years after they start making noise. This may simply be due to the manufacture's design or a tight tolerance in that particular pump. In this case, you would hear the noise but not see any other adverse effect like a loss in power steering, leaking fluid or a wobbly pulley. In this case, you may be able to help reduce your power steering pump noise by choosing a different type of power steering fluid, like a synthetic fluid.
Your power steering pump may also be making noises due to air trapped in the system. If the pump impeller is trying to move power steering fluid and starts catching air bubbles it can cause whining noises and vibrations to occur. Even tiny air bubbles you cannot see that are trapping in the power steering fluid may be causing the whining you are hearing. In this case, the best thing to do is flush your power steering system to try and remove the air from the system. Having air trapped in your power steering system can be difficult to diagnose so you may need to simply try a power steering flush to see if it solves your problem.
Power Steering pump noise may also be due to a failing power steering pump. As the bearings on the impeller go bad it will start to make noise as the pump is turning. If you have a bad power steering pump you usually will also experience leaks from around the pulley, a wobbly pulley, or difficulty turning the steering wheel when you are stopped. If you have multiple of these symptoms together, it is probably time to replace your power steering pump.
Lastly, and most usually, a whining power steering pump is an indication of a low fluid level. Your power steering fluid is probably something you have rarely if ever checked, so it often comes as a surprise if the level is low. Your power steering fluid reservoir is also relatively small so even a slow leak will cause a low fluid level relatively quickly. To confirm this is your problem it is as simple as checking your power steering fluid level. Some power steering reservoirs are clear so you can see through them to check how full they are. You may have to wipe away some dirt and grime to find the "full" line, but it should be easy to check. If you have an opaque power steering fluid reservoir there should be a small dipstick under the cap that will help you measure the fluid level. If it is low, then you have a leak somewhere and topping off the fluid should quite down your power steering pump.
If you discover a power steering leak, rather than simply continuing to add fluid every time it gets low, you should fix the problem permanently so you don't have to continue to check your power steering fluid level. Replacing lines or seals can be a surprisingly difficult task due to the location of your power steering pump and steering gear or rack. The easiest way to seal your leak is to do it from the inside out!

or check this link out for more info on this matter.
Power steering whining sqreeching Google Search

It sounds like your car is low on power steering fluid. When the power steering fluid is low, the power steering pump is running dry, which makes a grinding or moaning sound. Check the power steering fluid level and top up if necessary. It should be on the left side of the engine compartment. Your owners manual should have the exact location of the power steering reservoir, and what type of power steering fluid to use.
Good luck
Matt

Thanks for choosing FixYa and welcome. Check your power steering fluid. It may be low. If not, you may have a bad power steering pump. This is why you only hear the noise while turning. Thanks for choosing FixYa Jeannette. If you need anything else, let me know.

The noise you are hearing and feeling is very likely due to a low fluid level. I'd suggest you start by filling the power steering reservoir to the correct level with the correct fluid. Cycle the steering from lock to lock a few times to see if the noise gets better or goes away completely. Monitor the fluid level to determine how quickly the fluid leaks out and also to see if you can tell where the leak is coming from.

Be aware though that the longer you drive the car with a low fluid level condition, the more damage you will cause and the more expensive the repair will be.

I would suspect your brake pads are worn out especially if you also hear the grinding noise when braking. If you only hear it when turning then have your wheel bearings inspected. Also check the power steering fluid level. It can also be the CV joints are worn.

that sounds like you are low on power steering fluid ... when the level gets low then the pump starts to ingest air and that produces a buzzing sound when you turn the wheel .....i would add or change the fluid and check for leaks and mechanical loosness in the under car linkages ...you can have that checked at your next oil change .

Please - for safety sake take your vehicle to a shop.

First you need to verify where the noise is coming from. Squeaking and grinding is bad, like brakes, wheel bearings or ball joints.If you turn ther steering wheel while sitting still, that rules out brakes, or wheel brgs. The leak may be ps fluid, but check the hoses first, thats the most common thing to leak.

tazvtaz: If you only hear this noise when turning, I would start with the power steering assembly. 1.Check to verify if you have the proper level of power steering fluid first, if not add fluid as required. 2.Chekc for leaks around the power steering assembly, power steering hoses and replace or repair as required. 3.If the problem still exists, then your power steering motor may be on it's way out. You can verify if the noise is coming from the power steering assembly by having an assistant starting the car (in park)and turning the steering wheel, while you observe the operation of the power steering motor and determine if this is where the source of noise your are hearing is coming from. If you have found this information helpful, please vote for this reply, thank you.