power steering issue

[abaker240]

i've got an 03 wrx sedan 5 spd and when im at idle-ish rpm's and stopped or going slow it feels like my car has no power steering, the wheel is ridiculously hard to turn, but at high speeds or if i rev the car it becomes easy to turn again? any ideas?

[Pactin]

i've got an 03 wrx sedan 5 spd and when im at idle-ish rpm's and stopped or going slow it feels like my car has no power steering, the wheel is ridiculously hard to turn, but at high speeds or if i rev the car it becomes easy to turn again? any ideas?

Sounds like a faulty pump. Any car's steering wheel should naturally be easier to turn at higher speeds, power steering or not. The reason it becomes easy when you rev it is because the pump runs off of the crank (via a belt) and spinning the crank= fluid being pumped.

[mangostick]

going to sound dumb .. but sometimes its the simple stuff.. did you check the fluid? is it making noises? Is it only when cold or warm or all the time? I'd lean on the pump too.. but there could be other factors effecting it.

[Sinister]

have you done donuts recently in the snow?

[abaker240]

checked the fluid, that was my first thought, it was slightly low so i topped it off with dexron ATF(thats what youre supposed to use according to my cap), looked for any leaks, none to be found, havent done any donuts in the snow, went down a mud road the other day, which IS when it started, so i thought maybe packed mud under my skid plate, which there was, but i cleaned it out and its still doing it. anyone know how intensive of a job a ps pump is to replace?

[Sinister]

I've never done it myself but I've heard it's not too hard to replace. Good luck!

[EvoEatr]

checked the fluid, that was my first thought, it was slightly low so i topped it off with dexron ATF(thats what youre supposed to use according to my cap), looked for any leaks, none to be found, havent done any donuts in the snow, went down a mud road the other day, which IS when it started, so i thought maybe packed mud under my skid plate, which there was, but i cleaned it out and its still doing it. anyone know how intensive of a job a ps pump is to replace?

As mentioned im assuming here that the fluid level is full as you mentioned and the belt is adjusted properly and in good condition...that being said check the little o-ring at the pump on the high pressure side...extremely common problem here..if this line moves AT ALL it will slightly displace the o-ring and allow air in the system...have seen it many many times...also lubricate the rag-joint in the steering shaft by the firewall...those get gummed up sometimes with rust and salt and whatnot...besides those I would prob lean towards the pump....The PS pump on these are pretty easy to replace Ive done at least a handful of them...I can say I would def go OEM for the pump fore Ive seen some pretty unpleasant problems from aftermarket pumps...I believe theres 3 12mm bolts holding the pump to the bracket/engine...If you do decide the tackle the job I would be more than happy to give you advice on how to do it...your call...

[BSKwagon61]

hey, just joined due to similar problems. actually i have the exact smae problem as 'abaker240'. when car isn't moving power steering is not owrking properly, but the only diff is, I did do donuts in the snow (if thats a regularly known no-no, sorry, im new to the subaru world) so obviously i have no idea how resolve this problem, please help.

[KryptoNyte]

...but the only diff is, I did do donuts in the snow (if thats a regularly known no-no, sorry, im new to the subaru world)...

I sure hope not, it's one of the main reasons I purchased this particular vehicle.

[BSKwagon61]

I sure hope not, it's one of the main reasons I purchased this particular vehicle.

^^ not helpful.

[Sinister]

I sure hope not, it's one of the main reasons I purchased this particular vehicle.

^^ not helpful.

Snow doesn't cause the power steering pump to fail. Donuts at full lock does.

There is approximately 13 times the amount of pressure at full lock than there is at center. More than likely your pump seals have blown. It's cheaper to just purchase the seals and replace them, but the dealership will probably recommend that you replace the steering pump it's self.

[KryptoNyte]

^^ not helpful.

Sorry BSK, I know this stuff can be frustrating at times.

[willryanm]

I also am having this exact problem with my 03. Where would I be able to buy the seals for the pump?

[Sinister]

I'm not 100% that this is the correct one, but I'd put it at about 80%

Subaru power steering Pump Kits / Impreza / 02 / 2.0L DOHC With Turbo

Just google around. You'll find it. This was with one google search.