98 legacy outback steering is "jumpy" has power steering one second and none the next and back the next, dangerous around curves ,ect just wondering if this could be the pump it doesnt make any noise thanks

Check tightness of belt that drives the P/S. Is it good and tight? If so, then suspect the power steering pump is going bad. The pump is an ez swap out. A few years back, I had a similar problem. Cost $35 for a pump from a wrecking yard to replace.

Check tightness of belt that drives the P/S.

 

 

 

and the fluid level.

thanks i found a used pump for 40$ ill try that first

If it feels like it is racheting, try cleaning the u-joints on your steering column shaft (under the hood near the firewall) and using a good penetrating oil copiously. There are two spaced about a foot apart. I had a similar issue and that was the problem. The penetrating oil freed them up and everything returned to normal after a bit of driving for a couple days.