96 gti volkswagon golf 4 cyl steering gone bad?

[cvdiehard]

my steering in the car is easier to turn left than right..and needs more force especially with a fully warmed running engine. my power steering level is fine...im not sure about the history of this car; accidents, past work. etc...but it has 200,000 miles..oh yeah and when im at at stop and i crank the wheel all the way to the right and give it gas it makes a power steering noise that doesnt sound good.

[96GTIVR6]

i would check and maybe replace the pump before you do the rack. it'd be cheaper and easier.