It sounds like the ower steering pump might be starting to go
Loose belt? Low fluid? Bad pump?
It can be several things, either by themselves, or in combination. 1) the belt has dried up and isn't as grippy any more. This causes it to slip and squeal. There are sprays available to restore grip on belts which might help. 2) the belt has stretched a little, which causes it to slip and squeal. Retension, usually by adjusting the alternator position and it should be OK. 3) one of the auxilliaries(alternator, power steering pump, water pump) is about to seize. If it's harder to rotate the belt will slip and squeal.
Can be defective wheel bearing, or worn brake pads. You might also want to check the power steering fluid level. Low PS fluid level will cause the pump to squeal.
I'd check the throttle cable or the kickdown cable. That squeal you heard in the engine compartment might have been a cable breaking.
A steering wheel might be squeaky because it might be the bushings that need to be replaced. Also the power steering fluid pump might be going bad. Both of these are easy fixes.
Asking your Volkswagon dealer would be a great start as to where you can test drive a Jetta wagon. In fact, the dealer there might even let you test drive a Jetta wagon there, if he or she has one.
check the wheel bearing
you might want to check the relay.
YES DEPENDING ON WHAT MODEL THE 99 JETTA IS. THE LUG PATTERN IS THE SAME BUT THE OFFSET MIGHT BE DIFFERENT. A VW DEALERSHIP SHOULD BE ABLE TO TELL YOU WHAT THE OFFSET OF YOUR 99 AND YOUR 05.
You might be low on power steering fluid
You might want to check your power steering fluid
If Your steering has gotten difficult it is likely that you need to add power steering fluid. If that is not it then your power steering pump might be going out.