I have a low mileage (68K mile) 2000 Outback Limited that I recently acquired from my Dad. I recently replaced the alternator, and the following week, I noticed occasional vibration when turning the steering wheel at low speeds. The first thing I suspected was drive belt tension since I had just removed and reinstalled the belt when I replaced the alternator. Tightening the belt seemed to make it worse, and backing off the belt tension seemed to alleviate the vibration, but I still feel it occasionally. It also doesn't matter if the vehicle is moving or not and it while shake pretty well when moving the steering when parked in the garage. It will shake often but not all the time.

I'm suspecting something with the power steering pump- could it need a good power steering fluid flush (power steering fluid level is good), or is the pump itself at fault?

9 hours ago, Stevo F said:

I have a low mileage (68K mile) 2000 Outback Limited that I recently acquired from my Dad. I recently replaced the alternator, and the following week, I noticed occasional vibration when turning the steering wheel at low speeds. The first thing I suspected was drive belt tension since I had just removed and reinstalled the belt when I replaced the alternator. Tightening the belt seemed to make it worse, and backing off the belt tension seemed to alleviate the vibration, but I still feel it occasionally. It also doesn't matter if the vehicle is moving or not and it while shake pretty well when moving the steering when parked in the garage. It will shake often but not all the time.

I'm suspecting something with the power steering pump- could it need a good power steering fluid flush (power steering fluid level is good), or is the pump itself at fault?

 

Loosen and readjust the belt shroud to get pressure off the power steering hose.

possible air entrainment issue. May need new o-ring(s) on the suction hose adapter on top of the pump. very common issue.

11 hours ago, idosubaru said:

 

Loosen and readjust the belt shroud to get pressure off the power steering hose.

I checked but the belt shroud doesn’t come in contact with power steering hoses at any point 

Check the hose between the remote reservoir and the pump. There could be cracks in it. 

This hose gets brittle over time so be gentle with it - give it a squeeze to see how flexible the hose is. Then try gently bending the hose, looking for cracks across the hose. 

If you’ve got cracks this is your issue with the PS system. Replace hose and see if the issue remains. 

Cheers 

Bennie

maby a strut top is seizing and making it bind when turning?

next time you catch it happening, open the reservoir and shine a light in, have someone steer the wheel with engine on.  if you see bubbles it's a hose leak.