98 Subaru Outback. 2.5L.

 

My power steering pump is leaking. Based on the forum research, it seems like it is the o'ring between the pump and the reservoir - it is dripping from where reservoir meets the pump.

 

I am trying to remove the reservoir WITHOUT removing the entire pump, but no luck. I did get the bolt in the back (away from the pulley) that seems to hold the reservoir. However, I can't pry the reservoir off.

 

How does one remove the reservoir only to replace the O'ring or do I have to remove the entire pump?

Remove the cap and look down inside the reservoir - there's another bolt down there - 10 or 12mm. No need to remove the pump, you should be golden! If you end up getting the oring size or part number you could help everyone else by posting it.

Subaru has a rebuild kit for the P/S pump (actually two depending on how extensive a rebuild you want to do). Oddly enough, neither kit has a replacement bearing. Apparently that never fails since it is always submerged in fluid. You should check to see that you're not overfilling the reservoir since that will cause it to leak out the cap.

Thanks. Will post the ring size when I get to it!

 

I am planning replacing Part 55 in the diagram below...I wonder what "replacement bearing" you are talking about.

 

http://www.porcupine73.com/pics/diagrammatics/power-steering-pump-oring-96.gif

 

I am not overfilling the reservoir, I looked in after 6 odd months and it is getting empty!

Edited December 27, 200916 yr by bearbalu
Update

The oring is only a few cents, a few minutes, and very common to leak. Should be a real simple fix for you, good luck.

Thanks. Do I get the ring from Subaru dealership or most auto stores will have something similar?

I've always just matched them up in an autoparts store. Not sure what Subaru would have on hand.

Okay, I did it.

 

Here is the info:

 

1. The bolt inside the reservoir is 12mm. Need a 6 inch extension to get to it.

2. My O-ring was shredded - just some scraps I could find ! So I had to just match based upon the space for O-ring.

3. The O-ring seems to be 3/4 of inch (to be more precise inner diameter is 5/8, outer is 7/8 and center to center is close to 3/4, with ring being 1/8 or slightly more). The ring is probably in metric. I had a ring lying around from my previous subaru work, so I didn't shop for it.

4. See the attached pics for the O-ring side on Power steering and the reservoir flipped upside down. Note that there is only one bolt.

5. Getting to the back bolt away from the pulley that holds the reservoir is a little painful. I just used a 12mm wrench.

Nice pic... I took almost same ones when I did this. About the bolt in the back, it took me a little time to figure it out. It's actually quite simple--you need 1/4 ratchet. It's smaller than the 3/8 and fits very nicely back there.

I thought about 1/4 inch ratchet, but didn't have a 12mm socket for 1/4 inch. I didn't want to go and buy a 1/4 to 3/8 inch adaptor.

I tried using the o ring as described above because my o-ring was totally gone. The leaking continued to occur. I ordered the part through the dealership and it was much smaller than the one shown filling that outer ring. It fits around the fitting coming out the the reservoir and seems to have stopped the leak. The o-ring which is part #34427AA060 and cost me a whopping $1.32 in Hawaii. Cost of living in paradise!

 

 

Edited November 3, 201114 yr by Wawaenui
I am unable to post pictures

 

I have a case full of hnbr orings could I use this on the pump? Mine has been leaking for awhile

In ended up having to buy the rebuild kit and replacing the o-rings inside the pump as well. Now I have had no leaks for months!

I just did this to my '98. There is apparently no o-ring in that grooved slot on the pump itself, only an o-ring around the reservoir nipple. There was no evidence that the larger o-ring had ever been present, so I just replaced the o-ring on the reservoir. I used one with a 10mm ID.

I have a question you know if you pull the filter out of the PS pump reservoir what's what round part laying down in the reservoir?

I have a question you know if you pull the filter out of the PS pump reservoir what's what round part laying down in the reservoir?

 

Round part? Could you be more specific?

Round part? Could you be more specific?

 

I wish I could.. I'd have to take a picture.

Opened it up.. you can kinda see it but might be hard but it's the white looking part.. I looked at the FSM and whatever that part is I don't see anything like that in the tank.. having said that with hardly anything showing the PS works like normal..

 

1-3-2- 4, The white piece that is round is a Nylon washer that goes on your tank bolt on the inside. I just dissasembled mine and it's worn at an angle. I will replace that along with the 2 o rings that are between the reservoir and the pump. One ring part 34427AA060 I got from the dealer. But there is another oring on mine that is larger and in the grove on top of the pump that several people have commented on above. Apparently some don't have that oring. Bearbalu has a good picture of the second oring on the pump itself. The smaller one actually mounts on the reservoir where it goes inside the pump.
           

Edited February 9, 201511 yr by d-hunter1