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help...idle changes when i turn steering wheel

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34K views 6 replies 6 participants last post by  vyralsurfer  
#1 · (Edited)
is this a power steering issue?
when i move the wheel left or right while the car is idling, the idle will go up and down. i have an 02 wrx with 106,000 miles.
any pointers on where to start are appreciated.


would it have anything to do with the timing belt or general 110 k maintenance?
 
#5 ·
pumping the brakes will do this also. It's the power steering pump being ran off your engine just like the A/C, etc...
+1

Your car has power steering. The power steering is powered by a belt that is turned by your engine. Anything that changes the demand on the engine will have an effect on your idle (some greater then others). It is more noticeable on a small engine like the one in the impreza then in a car with a larger or more powerful engine. It is even more noticeable when your small engine is only at idle. When you are driving you don't really notice it much because engine is operating at a much higher power output and it is much easier to turn wheels that are rolling versus wheels standing still.

Bottom line, what you are describing is completely normal.
 
#7 ·
+1 to all the above. In my old Civic, when I'd be at a standstill, and I'd be barely on the brakes, if I turned the steering wheel back and forth fast, the engine would pick up in power and would actually cause the car to start moving. The car is basically trying to create a little more power to try and reach its target idle.