steering problems

[blueb3]

The steering has become stiff, but the problem is intermittent. It has gotten progressively worse the last couple days. It feels like there are times when I have "lost" power steering, but will feel fine again just a moment later. I thought this would be easier to explain. Where should I start checking first?

[gil_ong81]

power steering fluid. start with the easiest/cheapest.

be careful, it's not the same as brake fluid. heard of people putting from the wrong bottle and getting IDP.

[blueb3]

Good thing I know how to reads! Maybe that's why I like to work on my own car?

[2.5GT]

hehe same thing with my car. cept i was stupid enough to mix the regular fluid it had in the resovior with synthetic. now its leaking like hell :roll:

[ivwarrior]

Yep, I'd start with the fluid level, (Subaru still uses ATF in the power steering, right?) and also check the belt tension/condition.

[SHOfast]

hehe same thing with my car. cept i was stupid enough to mix the regular fluid it had in the resovior with synthetic. now its leaking like hell :roll:

I have mixed synthetic atf with regular atf in power steering systems before with no problems at all, I think yours just had it in for you.

[blueb3]

Well the fluid level is good and the belt is good and tight and looks to be in good condition. What should be my next step? Trying to stay away from spending a lot of money since my wife will be off work in two weeks for almost 2 months (maternity leave)

[2.5GT]

check the lines that comes out of the powersteering resevoir, see if its leaking somewhere?

and maybe do a flush on it?

[Plays_with_Toys]

Check the lines. You can also bleed the system of air. It involves having the car off, jacking the front, steering all the way one way, back the other, and back several times. Then turn the car on and do the same. if the fluid has no frothing apparent, you're good to go. Thats what the chiltons says anyway.

BTW, a new pump is $130 with a $30 core return. Thats at advance auto, so if you do need to replace the pump, a junkyard item might be the way to go.

[blueb3]

Yeah, I checked the lines, and no leaks anywhere, also tried the bleeding of the system, still no luck. I think I might just do the water pump if I can swing it. BTW, shouldn't there be *some* deflection in the belts with the car off? Right now there is none whatsoever.

[blueb3]

nevermind, found a guy on ebay with the same turnaround (3-4 days to get it from a shop) but for under $50 shipped. And it comes with a lifetime warranty. might just hit the "buy it now button" now. Have to wait on the paycheck though. :(

Could be worse, if this was my old Passat it probably would have caught fire by now :wink:

[Plays_with_Toys]

Water pump is under the timing cover....?

[blueb3]

If it's on the left below the resevoir it's the power steering pump. The other should be a water pump.

[blueb3]

FIXED!!!! Only took about 2 hours once I stopped bs'ing with the rally driver and co-driver. Gonna put the easy way up on the "DIY" forum.

[scottzg]

the water pump is driven by the timing belt and is kind of a pain in the ass to get to.