2002 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet. The steering wheel is very heavy

I can't say i have pulled that model of Volkswaggen apart. I have worked on earlier Volksy's. I reckon your power-steering rack is leaking and you have lost most of your hydraulic fluid. That is why the wheel is heavy.

You need car mechanic to locate and repair the leak. In order to drive the car fill the power-steering resivour with appropriate fluid. It won't hurt to overfill it as that will buy you more Km's to get it to the mechanics before it all leaks out again. Fill it up just before you drive it. Don't fill it then leave it sitting just to have it leak out.

Witrhout inspecting the car myself it's hard to say but usually it's eaier and more cost effective to replace the steering rack or pump with new and rebuilt components. I know I have had to use the fill and drive technique to get a vehicle to where the tools are. I hope this message has helped, best of luck. Pok Muggins