Sorry in advance for the long post but this one really has me stumpted!

I have a '99 XC with just under 70k that has developed what I can only describe as a some combination of whining/whirring/moaning noise from the engine compartment when I turn only to the left while accelerating. I can't figure out whether is it related to the power steering, transmission, engine or other. I will be taking it in to the shop but I would love to have some idea what the heck is wrong before I do.

The typical scenario goes something like this: I have to make a hard lefthand turn--almost a 180 degree turn--off a fairly busy road in order to get to my home. Unless I am going extremely slowly around the corner, as I step on the gas to accelerate out of the turn I hear the aforementioned noise from the engine compartment. The noise will continue for the next 30 seconds or so even after I have completed the turn and eventually go away. Basically any time I corner hard to the left while accelerating I hear the noise.

My first thought was that it might be the viscous coupling system or bevel gear since a sharp turn would have the wheels spinning at very different speeds. Perhaps I am just a bit paranoid about the bevel gear after reading horror stories on Brickboard. Now I am starting to think that it has something to do with the power steering system (fluid level seems to be ok).

Has anybody had a similar problem with their XC?