Power steering makes a noise...

[oneblueleg]

like grinding noise when manouvering slowly, and every now and then is feels almost like it locks  when steering a tight right turn like on a roundabout (maybe it just gets stiff... it's like it hits a stop and won't go further, but will come back), mostly in the wet for some reason? Anyone know why these things might be happening?

[01664gti]

check the belt for play, could be the pump.seeing as it does it more in the wet probably the belt

[boneybradley]

I would say its the belt slipping... you really should change the belt and keep it adjusted (I check mine every month as loosing steering mid corner feels  )
some people have refitted the splash gaurd (I'm guessing yours is a.w.o.l like most seem to be) and its worth checking the bay for this

[MrTurner]

Mines doing a similar trick, and I'm going to fetch a belt tonight (it looks a little bit worn too).

What would happen if the belt snapped (just out of interest!), is it as disaterous as the cambelt going, or are we talking just a lack of power steering?

[boneybradley]

If the belt snapped... you wouldnt have p.a.s.
but In my old co vehicle the alty belt snapped and due to the force it took the timing belt with it!! (with big big expence!  ).... I guess thats rare but looking at the location on the golf's its a posibility!!

[kells]

alternator belt would come off too meaning no power to battery

check your fluid level in the PAS resovoir too

[Rmachines]

its common on some engines for a shred of the AUX belt to get into the cambelt and snap it,  lucky on the Golfs they cover the cambelt so it cant happen!   Im having the same problem at the moment on mine, at full lock it will just squeel constantly and when wet the steering will go.   New belt is about £7 and put aside 20 mins to change it if you havnt done it before. 

[admc6]

This seems to be a very common problem I have it too. Exactly the same symptoms. I'm getting mine changed on thursday 

[MrTurner]

Changed mine, noises gone, now bring on the rain so I can test it properly 

[oneblueleg]

Great thanks everyone...