Hey,

My 1996 Legacy OBW 2.2 is "hissing" when I turn the steering wheel; fluid level looks normal. The sound is medium pitched and worst with wheel cranked all the way to left or right. Will a fluid change fix the problem, or is the pump the culperate?

Cardy

Does it affect performance of the power steering? Is it just plain annoying?

 

 

Does it only make the sound when it is lock to lock?

My power steering pump went out long ago, it started making more and more noise, (whining, then grinding) not at lock but anywhere. Eventually there were little metal shavings coming out of it and landing on the belt... they got flung around and it made it hard to tell where they were coming from.

 

I got mine fixed via extended service contract, so I don't know the cost if you have to replace yours. It looks like a pretty straightforward DIY though.

 

Steve

If it does not work properly then replace it. It is easy.

actually, it's worst when the car is first started and the air is cold. once the car warms up (but not the air, darnit) the noise goes AWAY- all together...any additional thoughts.

I would change the fluid, and if that does not fix it, replace the pump.

I second that...