Sounds like internal leakage inside the rack and pinion steering gear. That can cause the pressurized power steering fluid to be directed to one side of the "power piston" and do what it normally does which is to push it one way to turn the wheels. Normally that is in response to your request when turning the steering wheel, but the internal leakage is bypassing the valve that the steering wheel opens.
Most likely the external fluid leak is related. When something wears out in that valve assembly, fluid can leak out too. The most common place to see the puddle on the ground is behind the front tires near the area of the brake pedal. Fluid can also leak inside the car onto the carpet.
SPONSORED LINKS
Wednesday, April 20th, 2011 AT 7:18 PM