If you have a Subaru power steering system and are experiencing issues with it, here are a few steps that you can take to try and resolve the issue. Some of these steps might require some extra effort on your part, but by following them, you should be able to get your power steering system working properly again.
Identification of the Issue
If your Subaru suffers from power steering issues, it is important to identify the issue as soon as possible. Some common causes of power steering problems in Subarus include:
-A broken or clogged steering pump
-A failed rack and pinion (R&P) or torque converter
-A worn or damaged rack and pinion bearings
-A loose hanger on the gearbox drive shaft
In order to determine which of these issues is causing the problem, you’ll need to take some basic steps. First, check the fluid level in the pump. If it’s low, add more fluid. If it’s high, there might be a problem with the pump itself. Next, try turning the wheel while depressing the plunger near the bottom of the reservoir. If there’s resistance when you push on the plunger, then there might be a problem with one or more of the gears inside the R&P. If all of these tests come back negative, then it’s likely that another issue is causing the power steering issue.
Diagnosis
If you have a Subaru powered by a power steering system, there is a good chance that the power steering system is about to fail. In this article, we will discuss the different symptoms of a failing power steering system and how to diagnose it.
When a power steering system fails, it can cause a lot of problems for your vehicle. The main symptoms of a failing power steering system are:
-Inability to turn the wheel easily
-Sluggish or jerky movement when turning the wheel
-Difficulty maneuvering in tight spaces
To diagnose the problem, you first need to determine whether or not the power steering system is failing. The easiest way to do this is to check for any visible signs of damage or wear. If there are any detectable signs of damage, then you can start the diagnostic process. Otherwise, you can use some basic inspection techniques to determine if the power steering system is likely to fail soon.
If the power steering system is likely to fail soon, then you should replace it as soon as possible. If the power steering system is not going to fail soon, then you can try some basic repairs to try and fix the problem.
Repair or Replacement?
Is it time to repair or replace your power steering system on a Subaru? It’s an important decision, and there are pros and cons to both options.
If your car has less than 80,000 miles on it, you can probably get away with just repairing the system. However, if your car has over 80,000 miles or is a bit older, it’s probably time to replace the system. Here are some reasons why:
• A worn power steering system can cause serious Driver Side Incline (DSI) problems. This occurs when the power steering reservoir becomes low on fluid and the car struggles to turn as it should. Over time, this can cause the DSI to become very inaccurate, which can lead to accidents. Replacing the system before it fails is usually the best option.
• A worn power steering system can also lead to premature failure of other components in the car. For example, a broken pump can cause a loss of power to other systems in the car, including the brakes and engine. This can be very dangerous and costly to fix.
• A worn power steering system can also make it difficult for you to drive the car comfortably. If your car has low power (and
Pre-Installation Checklist
1. Verify all fluid levels and hoses are properly connected
2. Perform a visual inspection of the power steering unit for any obvious damage or malfunction
3. If an issue is found, replace the power steering unit as necessary
4. Bleed the system if necessary
5. Inspect all connections and hoses for signs of wear or damage
6. Disconnect all hoses from the pump and bleeding reservoir, then unscrew bleed screws on reservoir cap
7. Pump should be primed with fresh fluid before each use
8. When bleeding is complete, reattach all hoses and screws, then prime pump
9. Reconnect battery negative cable and tighten screws on battery bay cover
1. Verify all fluid levels and hoses are properly connected: Fluid Levels – Make sure all fluid levels in power steering system are at normal operating range (see Subaru specifications for more information). Hoses – Make sure all PS hose connections are tight and free from kinks or other obstructions Bleed Reservoir – Check that bleeder screw is tight (if applicable) Pump – Prime pump before each bleeding operation *Note: Priming the pump means adding fluid to the pump until it starts to turn (usually takes about 3
Bleeding Power Steering Subaru: The Process
If you’re experiencing power steering problems, one potential cause is that the system has been bleeded. Bleeding refers to the practice of releasing pressure from a system in order to restore normal function. In this case, bleeding the power steering system means releasing the air pressure that’s been building up in the system. Here’s how to do it:
1. Park your car and turn off the ignition.
2. Open up the hood and locate the power steering fluid reservoir. You’ll see a bolt on top with a cap on it.
3. Remove the cap and screw it back on to hold the pressure in place. DON’T PUSH ON THE BOLT TO RELEASE PRESSURE – YOU COULD DAMAGE THE RESERVOIR!
4. Turn the bolt counterclockwise until you can hear the air pressure release (about 3 turns). DON’T OVERDO IT, OR YOU COULD DAMAGE THE SYSTEM!
5. Close the hood and restart your car. The power steering should now work normally
Post-Installation Checklist
1. Check the fluid level: Add or top off the power steering fluid as necessary.
2. Verify all cables are connected and tight: Visually inspect all cables for damage, kinking, or oxidation.
3. Check the return line for kinks, sharp turns, or debris: Inspect the return line for kinks, sharp turns, or debris. If any is found, clean it up using a pipe cleaner and ATF.
4. Inspect the lines for corrosion: Inspect the power steering lines for corrosion. If any is found, replace them with new lines.
5. Check slave cylinder function: If the slave cylinder is not functioning correctly, replace it with a new one and re-install the ball joint bolts.