Steering wheel in 2002 Mazda Protege 5

My steering wheel sounds like a stubborn mule when I turn the wheel. I’ve checked the level of power steering fluid and its full. Since the steering wheel position can be adjusted, I’ve vacuumed around it as much as I can without removing it completely. Any ideas what’s upsetting the mule? PS-I’ve no change in steering easy.

What does a stubborn mule sound like?

Is the noise coming from the steering column inside the car or is it coming from under the hood?

Plastic pieces rubbing together can make annoying noises inside the car when you turn the wheel. A loose belt under the hood could slip and squeal when you turn the wheel.

Its like a moan and it seems more like it comes from the steering column than the under the hood