It should be clear or reddish depending on the fluid that is used. Brownish is generally just old and needs to be changed. You can have it changed by your friendly neighborhood mechanic or do it yourself... I just pull the return hose and extend it to a bucket then run clean fluid through the pump until it comes out clean on the other end. This may not be practical on your car due to space restrictions.
If you are locking the wheel against the stop it is going to make more noise than normal. When you are against the stop and continue to try to turn the wheel the hydraulic pressure will rise until the internal safety bypasses the fluid back to the reservoir. Avoid holding the wheel against the stops.
Steve B.