Big Sky Euro

Recently I have been having issues with my GTI.
When it starts up its horrendously loud. even to my ears. it calms down after a short while. still running a bit loud at the end.
The engine's power is.. different, its never constant any more, sometimes it feels normal and other times its bogged down in a way.
Also when i turn sometimes there is a large groaning noise coming from the engine as if the power steering pump is pushing extra hard. - any ideas??

I have heard from a friend that it might be oil clogged in my oil screen and that i should drop the oil pan and clean that out.
anyone interested in helping me do that in a week or so??

Could be a lifter. that noise comes and goes.

Log it? It is throwing any codes?

no codes and i will have to get a vag com, not a bad idea what would i be looking for?

So today josh and i found what may have been one of the problems and found another problem that is causing noises as well.
My power steering rack seems like it is blown.
both sides are leaking fluid like its nobodies business.
I am looking for a good price on a new rack - looks like the prices are at around 375 for new and 275 for used
anyone have any better prices or maybe one on their hands i can buy?

also - i have a question - is it normal for a 2003 to already be having problems with the steering rack??
I felt like it was a bit too early but i was curious all the same.
thanks

Couple of junior detectives you guys are!!

LoL. Did you have any other ideas as to what it would be?
The other issue josh found was.. the bolt that hooks my MAF to my airbox was.. um not there,so there was air pouring into that pretty easily. makes the car run much smoother already, not just for the steering whine problem and the clunking up front..