I have a 2000 TT 1.8 quattro 180hp.
I hear this moaning sound when I am reversing and turning the wheel.
I've only noticed this when in reverse and have just recently had my car aligned.
Is something wrong with my power steering or could it be the tranny?
Any thoughts/suggestions would be much appreciated!

I forgot to mention it has 56,350 miles and due for an oil change... dunno how much of a difference that makes

 

where does the moan come from? does it sound like the bushings?

 

It sounds like the steering column, but it's definitely outside the car. Almost like something needs a good shot of WD-40.
It might be the bushings... Is there any way to check?
And if it was the bushings wouldn't I hear it when making any turn?

 

Bushings maybe, but the most likely culprit is the strut bearings. You will usually here these low speed when turning or hitting a bump. With the number of miles you have they are likely shot. No way to check them without dropping the struts out.

 

I'm not sure how much this helps but i think i get exactly the same noise in my 2005 ford f150.

It sounds like a moaning and almost like a kind of clicking grinding noise?

 

Im not mechanical so take this for what its worth, but my girlfriends Jetta was making that sorta moaning/whining sound when she would turn the wheel, and it turned out that she was just out of power steering fluid...She didnt even know that you had to put PS Fluid in there, but once we filled it up, the sound went away.

 

i have the same noise except it throbs...

 

Strut bearings. $35 parts and 1 hour labor each side.

 

I'll have to check the fluid levels, they shouldn't be low I just purchased the car in April on this year...
Also what kinda ticks me off is when I went for the alignment I asked them to check the bearings and struts to make sure everything was in good working order.
It does have a little bit of a grind, but not all the time and it doesn't moan all the time either... I hope I'm just low on fluid!
I'll let you guys know what the deal is when I figure it out...
It is safe to drive right? Not far just about 10 miles roundtrip for work

P.S. What kind of Power Steering fluid?
Is there a difference in strut bearings, what kind (if there's a difference) do I need?
Don't want to sound like a typical girl when I ask the sales guy at the auto parts store!

 

I reckon the Owner's Manual should have the P/S oil specs you are looking for.

On you other queries, I dunno?