General Maintenance & Repairs - power steering issue?

i think i'm having a power steering issue with my car. i can't accelerate quickly while having the wheel even slightly turned without a loud whinning and slight stiffening of the wheel. where should i start looking into?

To start, check the fluid level/condition ASAP... If the fluid is fine, let us know.

man i feel so stupid. the fluid is soo low it doesn't even touch the stick at all.

so the pump is already whinning, i'm assuming. so does that mean it needs to be replaced?

no, after u put in the fluid drive it around till the fluid circulates in the rack to remove all the air bubbles, or u can try the lucas power steering fluid that stuff will make any pump quiet

Also check for any leaks and get that fixed.

I replaced the whole rack and pinion to fix the problem. I kept pouring fluid in and just got tired of the mess and grease in the engine bay.