My 1998 Toyota Corolla is having an issue with the steering - starting yesterday, when turned to the left or right an audible grinding noise could be heard and felt - there was also resistance, to the turn. I assume it's a power steering issue, and the heavy grinding, which can be felt in the wheels, probably indicates the rack? However, I've also noticed a leak, for the past few days when the car is parked after being driving. I thought it was air conditioner coolant as we've had some problems with that in the past - is it possible it's power steering fluid? If so, will simply keeping it full alleviate the problem until I can afford to have it looked it?

SOURCE: power steering rack 1998 toyota camry

replacing a steering rack is never easy unless you have done it multiple times and will always be diff. from any vehicle

SOURCE: Ticking noise, grinding noise when turning, front wheel looks off

For the occasionally turning sound:
Sounds to me like you may want to check your CV boots for cracks. If water and other debris has got up into the boot then it could have damaged your cv joint which is a swivel joint to allow turning on front wheel cars. The boot is right at the point where your axle meets the wheel assembly.

The second problem with the transmission: with that kind of miles on the car, you may want to change the transmission fluid and filter and then add a container of TransX, used for older transmissions. Then see what happens. The TransX additive helps with seals and such... or you could just add the TransX to your transmission while its warm , drive it about 100 miles and hopefully see the effects.

SOURCE: Noise (vibration) when turning right

That sounds like a left front wheel bearing gone bad My friend.. turning right transfers weight to the left side and it probably has a roar similar to a turbo fan jet.. Try it and lemmie know.. thank you

SOURCE: 1994 Toyota Corolla

how much

SOURCE: 2003 Toyota Corolla Wheel Alignment

The specs are what the manufacturer recommends for the vehicle when it leaves the factory. However that means with the original tires and condition. The caster is not adjustable on a Corolla, so if the vehicle pulls even with the tires switched, there is a possibility there is damage to the strut or steering parts. However, before changing anything, check all tire pressures and make sure the brakes are in good condition. A brake that is not releasing properly will cause a pull to that side. Individual toe is rather meaningless - the total toe is what is measured. You have no king pins on a Toyota so you will not have KPI.