Hi folks,
Some may recognize my from the Outback forum. Just trying to reach a broader audience since this is a seemingly model agnostic issue I'm having. The short back story is I replaced the suction hose o-ring on my 09 Outback back in January, and through many trials and screw ups on my part, my steering has continued to be problematic. In a rough historical order, the following has been done:
-Replaced suction o-ring (x2) (OEM)
-Replaced suction hose fitting (OEM)
-Replaced suction hose (3rd party, Sunsong)
-Replaced steering rack (OEM junkyard from Legacy w/ 50K miles)
-Replaced reservoir (OEM junkyard piece)
-Replaced suction hose clamp (OEM)
-Replaced reservoir return hose (3rd party, Sunsong)
-Replaced pump (OEM, new)
Here's a schematic.
So as you can see, I've just about replaced it all, aside from the high pressure feed line and rack output line. I've now done the bleed procedure so many times my neighbors think I'm crazy. Been using Castrol Transmax Import Multi (DEXRON III H rated, manual calls for DEXRON III). Current symptoms: Difficult steering when parked/low speeds. Significant feedback when going over bumps at low speed. At highway speeds, steering feels 'floaty' and unstable. Bubbles can be seen in reservoir, but they are somewhat sparse. No foaming, does not look carbonated.
Right now I'm not sure what the culprit is- the air or the rack?
Air I know I'm not supposed to have any air, but I imagine it gets in there anyway and it's not significant like I've had in the past. I am leery of the suction hose since it's 3rd party- it was fairly easy to slide onto the suction fitting but seems to have clamped down just fine. I replaced the reservoir after hearing of a user with a crack which introduced air. My understanding is air will not enter on the 'unpressurized half' of the system. Should I consider replacing the rack return hose? I don't know how to track down where else the air is getting in from.
Rack I'm having a hard to finding out what damaged rack symptoms are aside from leaking (this one does not leak). I have been running it for 4-5 months, I have seen no evidence of leaks. Car is was salvaged from was not in a wreck (I was told blown motor).
This has been plaguing me for almost a year now to the point of driving me to offload the car... so if y'all can help me fix it, I'll be a very happy fellow.
