2001 A6 avant (2.8) with 165k.
The power steering pump has always been a bit noisy but after I changed the passenger side axle and tie rod end the noise doubled. It also smelled kinda bad under the hood (like really hot p/s fluid) and p/s fluid looked like it had forced its way out of the cap (was all over the top of the jug). I turned the car back on to try to recreate what had happened on my "make sure everything still works" drive but couldn't recreate.

When I was doing the axle I was turning the wheels with the steering wheel and the car was not turned on. Is there something I messed up or forgot to do, or did I kill my p/s pump? Thanks guys!

 

You may have have some air in the steering system, raise the front of the car, turn the wheels side to side a dozen times with the engine running to bleed they system, this should help. Be sure to check the fluid level before and after the bleeding. Also be sure you are using the right fluid. Most Audis use mineral oil, not standard power steering fluid. If you think the fluisd may be wrong or need replacing (after 50,000 miles), drain the system by removing the hose at the cooler and draining it, then turning the wheel from side to side with the engine off to get the fluid out of the rack, replacing the hose then refilling with the right stuff anf bleeding it.

 

I agree, when I turned the wheel from lock to lock I forced the fluid back into the resivwar causing a bubble/air pocket to form in the pump. A bit of sleep and time away from the car does wonders for clear thinking. Last night I was 100% I fcuked something up. Thanks for the help oldmots!