createaneutron

Well, it was about two weeks to the day when after I had the Power Steering system flushed and the slow speed wheel shudder disappeared, but then it came back! I then read on NAISOC about the "O"-ring failures that mimicked a bad PS pump. I decided to give that fix a try and the slow speed shudder disappeared! This fix was about $5, much better than replacing the PS pump!

I managed to find one link online that stated it should be changed at 30k and 60k miles. Since I am approaching the 60k mark, I guess I have to dive into the tank.

I am trying to find the recommended frequency to change the fuel filter on my 2005 WRX STi. My car currently has about 56k and I am wondering if this should be done at 60k? I am also wondering if there is only ONE filter or two? I have been reading conflicting reports and I believe there is one in the tank and maybe an additional one somewhere else? If there is more than one, do you only have to change the one external to the tank? Thanks!

Caboobaroo, Thanks for the heads-up. So you say this might not be "the fix"? How soon after the fluid change did the pump crash and burn? Were the symptoms the same as in the beginning or more catastrophic? If the pump does fail, is it straightforward to fix yourself and where would you recommend ordering the part from? Lots of questions:) Thanks a lot!!

Well, I decided to take the STi to a local shop since my problem had me stumped and concerned. They recommended flushing and replacing the power steering fluid which fixed the problem! What a relief since I was thinking it could have been something a lot more involved and expensive. Thanks for everyones input! Peace, Joe

I placed all four jack stands on the 4 corners of the pinch welds (normal jacking points) with a block of wood between the weld and stand

Yes, I did simply drain and refill as you said. I have also verified that indeed the level is exactly between the L and H, so the level is not the issue. I am starting to believe it may have been due to me jacking the car up an putting it on 4 jacks stands may have stresssed a component (knuckle.wheel bearing,...) that was going to fail later, but is now happening sooner. I have resigned myself to letting a reputable local shop put it on the rack and "shake it down" to find the cuplrit. I will report the findings after tomorrows "shake down" Peace

The underneath of the car is VERY clean. It is very noticable since it spent all it's years (until I bought it this Spring) in the south. The steering rack was dry as well.

I checked again when I got home last night and ii is PERFECTLY between the L and H.

I tried setting the center diff to manual and changed the settings from 100% front stepping it thru 100% at each increment and didn't notice any difference. Yes, myu car is the STi and it has the 6 speed manual transmission. Do you think there is any chance the Subaru Extra-S fluid from Fred Beans isn't "correct"?

Ok, so I just changed the transmission (and center diff. since it shares the fluid with tarnny) fluid on my 2005 WRX STi this weekend (car has 55k miles and I am second owner) and now I have steering wheel shudder at very slow speeds when turning the wheel. I can feel the shudder transferring into the steering wheel as you turn the wheel just off center, but most noticably at very slow speeds. I swear I don't remember this happening before changing the fluid, could I have intoruced a problem during this mundane fluid change? I extra-S (4.1 qts) from Fred Beans and followed the instructions on the on-line manual http://ken-gilbert.com/wrx/STi_Manual/ Any ideas? Could I have introduced too much or not enough air into the system to cause this? Any help is GREATLY appreciated!