Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.

Ultimate Subaru Message Board

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.

Steering heavy, 2001 Outback 3.0l V6

Featured Replies

I'm posting for a friend who recently purchased this car. While driving it recently in a tight parking situation I found the steering incredibly hard. We checked the fluid level and found it low and added some Dexron III ATF. This seemed to help but the steering still seems harder than it should be. I've never driven this model so I'm not sure if this is normal. I know it's a lot harder than my 91 Loyale is but it is a heavier car.

It may need the power steering pump unit replaced. Not expensive, an easy do-it-yourself project.

  • 3 weeks later...
  • Author

I tried changing the steering fluid and cleaning the strainer in the reservoir but found no improvement. I've noticed the steering is easier when the car is cold and that raising the engine RPM makes it easier. Are these symptoms of a worn pump? Any online tutorials on changing  a pump that anyone can share?

are rims and tires on your car 'normal'? that is, no wheel spacers or other modification?

 

maybe you could pretend to shop for a 2nd generation Outback, compare steering feel with a different car before you replace a pump to discover the feeling may be normal.

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

Sign In Now

Account

Navigation

Search

Search

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.