blindedsnake04

So the problem ended up to be a couple of things. I bought 4 new tires (I needed anyway) and installed a new pump. It took a couple of days but then the problem went away. Thanks for all of your valuable input and comments.

So if it is the pump, is there anything I can do/test to make sure its the pump before buying a new one?

I should make clear what I mean when I say "jolt back". Normally when I make a turn, I really dont have to turn the wheel back to the straight position as it kinda does it on its own. But now I have to really turn the wheel to get the car straight but right before the car wheels are straight the steering wheel loosens up again. So its not like its shuddering or jolting. But thanks so far for the responses!

I just started having a problem with my 1999 outback's steering. When I go to make turns the steering gets real stiff and kind of jolts back. When I am driving on the highway make turns doesnt seem to be as difficult. I checked the power steering fluid and it seems to be fine. I was looking up threads of other steering problems and it seems like it might be the power steering pump going bad. However, most of what im reading is that usually there is a leak involved. I was just hope for some possible help insight or maybe some ideas where to start looking to fix the issue. Thanks