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Power Steering Issues

Featured Replies

I'm not sure if shutter is the right word to describe what I feel but it's the best I can come up with...

 

My problem: While stopped or at low speeds <5-10mph the steering wheel is hard to turn and shutters when i turn it. As soon as I'm moving decently it seems to go away. Fluid level is fine, car tracks okay, everything else seems to be fine.

 

I think it might be the ps pump as it happens at a rather constant frequency when it occurs.

 

If you guys agree, where is a good place to shop for a new one. Everywhere I look online I find them for over $240. Any used OEM replacement part retailers out there?

 

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all.

 

Best,

 

Eric

p/s pumps don't usually go bad on subies (or so I've heard). They are expensive. If this is your problem then your going to have to take the hit, or find a good one at a junkyard. Check your tension on the belt before anything.

 

Whats the car??

of course there's plenty of fluid!!

 

I'm not sure if shutter is the right word to describe what I feel but it's the best I can come up with...

 

My problem: While stopped or at low speeds <5-10mph the steering wheel is hard to turn and shutters when i turn it. As soon as I'm moving decently it seems to go away. Fluid level is fine, car tracks okay, everything else seems to be fine.

 

I think it might be the ps pump as it happens at a rather constant frequency when it occurs.

 

If you guys agree, where is a good place to shop for a new one. Everywhere I look online I find them for over $240. Any used OEM replacement part retailers out there?

 

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all.

 

Best,

 

Eric

  • Author

The car is a 1997 Subaru Outback 2.5L Limited (Legacy chasis)

 

Yeah there is plenty of fluid, that was the first thing I checked..

 

I was told sometimes the steering rack brackets come loose so I jacked up the car this morning to check and when steering the rack stays put as it should.

 

One thing however, a while ago I was having bad belt squeel, its been tightened and started doing it again, so I put belt dressing on it which made it stop. It hasn't done it in weeks/maybe over a month now. Could that have fried the pump?

 

Best,

 

Eric

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