quick4dr Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Just sucked out my power steering reservoir and topped off with clean fluid, I do it every once in a while to refresh the fluid. now for the past 2 days while driving at various speeds and steering angle it feels as if I lose power steering and it goes super stiff, then comes back to normal. Pump starting to fail? rack binding? contamination in the fluid? any input would be great 117k original pump and rack, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ras06LGT Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Check belt tension first. Then go to a parking lot and do slow figure-8s to purge any air from the system. If this works then you may have air leaking into the system. O-ring on the line at the top of the pump is the first place to check. This is the easiest to do. If it doesn't fix the issue then you should start looking at other options. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 X2 what he said ^ 305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD). CHECK your oil, these cars use it. Engine Build - Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turboboost Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 ras06LGT is on point. The cold/winter is probably exacerbating the PS issues too. I had the exact same symptoms - had to replace the belts, re-tension them, flushed the PS fluid, and swapped out the O-ring. No more issues whatsoever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 I remember last winter when it was cold, I would have a hardtime steering till I drove a couple 100 ft. After a few figure 8's the problem never returned. My rack was replaced 18 months before. After I bled the air out, never had a issue until last winter. It's been fine since. 305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD). CHECK your oil, these cars use it. Engine Build - Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quick4dr Posted February 19, 2015 Author Share Posted February 19, 2015 Subaru had the o ring in stock, replaced that and suction and replaced 1qt of fluid with Subaru ATF, did approx. 200 lock to lock turns, steering feels awesome now. will update as I drive more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quick4dr Posted February 20, 2015 Author Share Posted February 20, 2015 Update: Did about 25 miles last night, and my morning commute of 14 this morning, 0* weather. Steering has never felt better!! new o ring makes a huge difference at cold start with initial power steering. and with 1qt of fresh fluid flushed through the system, the pump is silent and feels great. I don't think the steering felt this smooth at any point ive owned her. I have done numerous other turkey baster suck out reservoir and replace, but doing all the fluid at once was the winning ticket!! thank you everyone for your tips and tricks. total time for repair: 3min for O-ring, approx. 20 minute to swap fluid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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