my wife drove my 95 legacy 2.2 awd a/t wagon, she said the power steering seemed real stiff compared to the 97 , fluid good, belt good and tight, changed fluid 1 year ago, no leaks, so thinking power steering pump is going bad , ?any opinions ? thanks

pump or rack is failing. i've never heard of a pump failing (well, except leaking) yet but sure it's possible.

ok, thanks

i have a good used rack if you need a cheap one.

FYI the last 97 OBW I bought had a bad pump. Had fluid, etc. Didn't make any noise, just wasn't pumping.

 

It's still here but I didn't dissect it to see what the problem was. Car has 185k.

FYI the last 97 OBW I bought had a bad pump. Had fluid, etc. Didn't make any noise, just wasn't pumping.

awesome, thanks Dave, that's a good one to know.

I had a 92 Lggie that the pump went bad, made some grinding noises, and the steering was real stiff because of no power boost, so replaced it with one from a wrecking yard. Replacement worked perfectly. Suggest replacing pump first before considering replacing the rack, as I don't think that Subie racks wear out that often.

You can pull the return line, the one with the rubber hose. Block the PS pump side and route the other side into a jug. Start the engine, the pump should be flowing fluid as the steering is turned back and forth.

 

Don't run the pump dry!

to avoid further problems, i suggest you install an in-line filter in the return line. The local p/s rebuilder won't sell a unit with out one. Clean fluid will add years of faithful service. I am using Magnefine. try JC Whitney or Northern Tool. These are inexpensive insurance to avoid future failure. I also put one in my auto trans cooler line!

ok will try it, i have a spare pump, if it is bad, thanks