Popping sound from steering, HELP!

[tunedout]

Hey guys, I'm new here but I had a question that's driving me batty. I have an '00 986 that recently had the front steering rack replaced. Now occasionally when I try to turn the steering wheel at slow speeds, I'll hear this groan/popping sound, and feel it in the wheel (imagine the groan/popping when old wooden floorboards are rubbing together, yeah like that). It just seems like it's making this sound as I try to turn the wheel when there's a lot of resistance, like when the car is stopped. It's only when I'm turning the steering wheel, and it sounds like it's coming from just behind the dashboard.

I took it to the mechanic, but I couldn't get it to show up when he was driving it. Anyone have any idea what it might be? It's driving me INSANE!

D

[Tool Pants]

Check the power steering fluid level.

Why was the rack replaced?

[tunedout]

The car was hit from the side in the front that tore up the wheel and subframe. I got a brand new subframe, rack, suspension and wheels. Thankfully no frame damage, whew!

I checked the power steering fluid, yeah it's not even showing up on the dipstick (when the car is totally cold). Maybe I just need to fill it up. Could that cause this?

[husker boxster]

Be sure to use a synthetic power steering fluid (most fluids in the Box are synthetic). Porsche recommends Pentosin, which isn't carried by many major parts stores.

Hopefully the advice isn't too late.