Legback Posted October 23, 2010 Share Posted October 23, 2010 It really seems like a steering problem but could it be the next chapter in my front DIFF saga? The PS pump seems a bit damp but fluid isn't leaking fast. PurplePowering that now. There's just a tough hitch at a quarter turn in the wheel all of a sudden since Wednesday. Any ideas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted October 24, 2010 Share Posted October 24, 2010 more info. is it not torque bind? any noises at all? how long has it been doing it? any idea if it's "gotten worse"? has the diff fluid ever been changed? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WoodsWagon Posted October 24, 2010 Share Posted October 24, 2010 (edited) Spray penetrating oil on the 2 u-joints that couple the steering column to the rack. They're right over the drivers side axle. Use real penetrating oil, not WD-40, so Kroil, PB blaster, Yeild, something that actually lubricates. I've used bicycle chain lube in a pinch. And by purple powering, do you mean cleaning off the exterior of the power steering pump to see if there's a leak or do you mean pouring some additive into the power steering reservoir? Also see this recent thread about the same problem: http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=116592 Edited October 24, 2010 by WoodsWagon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gloyale Posted October 24, 2010 Share Posted October 24, 2010 Doubt it would be at a specific point in the turning. It would be a random binding/bucking My money would be on the steering u-joint coupler. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fairtax4me Posted October 24, 2010 Share Posted October 24, 2010 A failing diff would be clearly evident. They don't go silently. The steering wheel will turn fine, but the car will keep trying to go straight, then you'll get a loud bang pop and click, the car will jump up and down and jerk around, then it will turn... for about 3 feet. Then you go through the motion all over again. Going the steering shaft U joint route with everybody else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legback Posted October 24, 2010 Author Share Posted October 24, 2010 There are no noises save for some PS belt screeches, at low speeds, I think I caused with the Purple Powere degreaser trying to find a leak. The steering got easier when I added a cup of ATF to the reservoir but there is still that hard spot. I'm gonna go try that u joint lube job with my AeroKroil. I may have degreased it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legback Posted October 24, 2010 Author Share Posted October 24, 2010 Looks like Kroil saved the day again!! So far it seems like the u joints were the culprit. Thanks again everybody! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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