Brought my audi a4 in to have the timing belt and water pump replaced and my car is now leaking power steering fluid and making loud noise, i was told when i took it back that the the powersteering fluid was low, they topped it off, it was fine until i drove it for a couple hours and the problem returned and my check engine light came on. had the fluid topped off again. can changing the timing belt and water pump damage the power steering pump/rack?

check the condition of the pump drive belt as the cold weather makes it more difficult to flex and if it is worn or loose it may be your problem

Most likely you can get a seal kit from the dealer. It is most likely a front shaft seal. This is a fairly easy repair to do if you are somewhat handy.

If you need further help, reach me via phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/forrest_f5a3e9d21691ce99

Usually you can see if the pump is leaking. Most times it's a hose, or in your case, I'd look real close at the rack and pinion unit that's mounted in a hard to see spot under the car. It can be leaking into the rubber boots that are on both ends of the unit, then slowly leaking out while you are driving. I would bet this is the problem as the noise you are describing happens when the system has air in it, and as you work it back and forth, it purges the air.

Do you mean hard to steer your steering wheel?
If you have a noise when you are turning your steering wheel, you may have low power steering fluid. Add power steering fluid into your power steering fluid reservoir to the level required (check with your manual book). Make sure you get the right power steering fluid for Audi A4. Hope it will help

if it is whining -- then this is a sign that you need to add power steering fluid to the reservoir.
there will be a hot and cold line on the small dip stick in the reservoir,, it is best to fill while the system is cold,, fill to the cold line and this should stop the whining.

c...

sounds like the water pump is leaking onto the drive belt for the steering pump, have the water pump tested for a leaking front shaft..

Check up the hydraulic power steering pump.
See picture below for 1.6, 1.8 liters Audi (4 cyl.) engines:

If you find leaks and noise when runing, the hydraulic vane type pump is damaged. The pump **** air inside and mix air with oil resulting foam. Therefore fluid volume inside steering instalation rises. Then pressure overflows oil from the reservoir. You need repair or replace hydraulic vane type steering pump.

all your brake calipers are now damaged and its possible if you didnt drive it for very long this way in this condition the rotors can be turned down to within specs saving you lot of $$$$.
can i get a very helpful reply ...thanks

If fluid was refilled, how is the level now? If it's low again, it may be the problem. If it has a leak somewhere, fluid could possibly leak on the belts that drive the power steering system, causing the squeal or screech. So check the fluid level again, if it's down, top it off, and have the leak fixed. Let me know what you find, and if u need more help. Curt

I have been an Audi tech for years. The recommendation is 75K however with that said at 65k it is cheap insurance to replace it at this time, Audi has always been expensive to repair, The issue with the rack and pinion if you have a history of complaints on the problems you can contact the district office for assistance, please be advised that they are more likely to assist you if you purchased the vehicle new and followed all of the maintenance required.
As a sidenote if you decide not to replace the belt then I would sell the car as soon as possible, These are what's known as a close tolerance engine,Which means if the belt breaks major engine damage will occur, I know this is not a great way to start the new year but I hope this helps,