When was the last time the front end was greased?

Do they still do that on a 2002...?

most things after the late 90s dont. you would only have them if the aftermarket parts they were replaced with had them. like 50/50 some do, some dont

If you do not see an external leak, then you will have to take a pick, and puncture the bottom edge of the bellows at the ends of your rack...if fluid comes out, the seals on the end of your rack are leaking.....

Does the fact that it no longer makes any noise - but that the steering is very, very, hard - mean that the power steering unit has gone out?

Or...? Could it just need more power steering fluid...?

Is it safe to drive to the nearest shop? Or should I have it towed?

Or...?

Thanks for all of your help...

I would start by removing the power steering reservoir cap and take a look inside at the level/dipstick is attached to cap.
If it is way down again, top it up with power steering fluid, and the power steering should return for however long fluid remains in there.
If the reservoir is still full report back.

are u sure they put power steering fluid in it?or something else ha

Yeah, there was a leak...

Filled it up, power steering would work fine - although it would whine a little.

Then 2 days later - it would be empty again.

I was told that even if you did run the car without power steering fluid - that it would not harm the car - you would just have a very hard time steering...

Is that correct?!

To run the PS pump continuously dry is not a good thing. The fluid acts as a lubricant for the pump'* impeller.
Would this cause further damage to bearing & seals? IDK I have always addressed a PS leak quickly, & kept my reservoir full, until I could make repairs.
Did you find where the leak is coming from?

Yes, the leak was fixed.

I just thought it was odd that I was told that if you run the car without power steering fluid - that it would not harm the car at all...

It only happened twice - when I was trying to determine if it was just out of fluid - or if there was a leak.

Both times - when it was empty - it made absolutely NO noise/whine at all - nothing - the steering was just VERY hard.

When I put fluid in each of the two times - when there was fluid in it - there would be a very noticeable noise/whine - but it would steer normally.

But when it went empty - there was nothing - no noise at all - it just became VERY hard to steer.