I've been putting off dealing with noisy power steering pump...and a little fluid leaking. Took it to a mechanic today.....they said its a good idea to replace the rack(?) as well as the pump.....something about fluid mixing and ruining seals.....quoted me nearly $800.00....or $300.00 to replace pump only. 1991 Loyale wagon 139K runs well...I love my Subaru....like to do the right thing if I can figure what that is. Wish I didn't mistrust mechanics! Thanks for guidance.

There are others that will know more than I, they will probably jump in here and help you more that I can, but I will say this,

 

Before I knew how to properly bleed the pump, I was low on fluid and did not know this. So it was very noisy. I mistakenly thought I needed a new one. Price on new was too high, to I swapped in a JY pump. Still noilsy. Found out how to properly bleed them, noise gone.

 

The reason I mention this is because while working on the pump swap, I saw that the main seal is is just held in with a clip. So if that is where yours is leaking, a new seal would be cheap and easy to do yourself, IF they are availiable. I never found out if there is a pump rebuild kit because proper bleeding solved the problem. I would like to know though. Anybody?

 

If it's not leaking at the rack someplace, I'd ignore it.

 

Pyro

So how do you bleed the pump?

Jack the front wheels off the ground, and (with engine running) turn the steering form lock to lock a few times.

Yea, but are there rebuild kits availiable for the pump?

 

Pyro