Continuing to rehab my new 97' Impreza.  Steering was fine when I got the car but noticed evidence of a leak on the back side of the pump.  So got a rebuild kit and changed the back metal gasket along with a few O-rings (one small one large) in that pump cavity. 

 

Reinstalled everything and filled with fresh fluid, not noticing the steering is very stiff.  Way to much effort needed to turn, etc.

 

I just removed and disassembled the pump again to be sure I reinstalled things correctly and all looks good.  Dowels are lined up perfectly and no leaks.  Still way too stiff upon test drive.  I did jack up the car and bled the systems by turning side to side repeatedly.

 

Bugs me cause it was working fine until I "upgraded" it.  Any ideas what to check?

 

I should mention I replaced both ball joints and used dexron ATF when refilling.  Both front tires are filled to 32 PSI.

 

Thanks!

the leak was likely the o-ring in between the reservoir and the pump itself.

 

i would buy a used one , replace the o-ring mentioned,

and go from there

 

Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market

sort by zip code to see what is close.

then soet by price to see if there is a bargain you can have shipped in.

I recently replaced the O ring in my P/S unit, as I was leaking fluid. However, that only fixed part of the problem, as I continued to leak some fluid in the system. Looking around, I found that my boots were torn on the steering rack. Dirt and crud caused wear to the point of causing the fluid leak. So, I bought a used rack, and had a friend install in my 98 OBW. The rack was installed just last weekend, so too soon to tell if this solves the leakage problem. So, you may want to crawl under the front end to see if you see any fluid leaks coming from the steering rack.

Thanks.  I've been under it quite a bit in the past few months.  Rack looks good.  No leaks and the boot is still intact.  hunting for a used one now.  As I said, it was working fine until I tore the front of the engine off to change seals, idlers, belt etc.

 

I must have disturbed something in resealing the back of the pump.  It grumbles now but no leaks or bubbles in the fluid. 

Got the used one today.  Changed the O-ring as mentioned and installed.  Works great.  Not sure what went wrong with my rebuild but appreciate the help and suggestions.