check power steering fluid and make sure the power steering belt doesnt have too much slack.

 

How many miles? Where is the hum seem to be coming from? Is it also when I'm
Reverse and turning?

 

The car has about 12k miles. Got it this time last year. Not sure if the humming noise is related to reverse only because I have heard it whenever moving slowly, both forward and backward. Sounds like it was coming from somewhere in front of me (the driver's side).

To jauntawn, how do I check the fluid? And where's that belt?

Sorry for the noob question, and thanks a lot for the help!

 

the belt is in the front of the engine (where the radiator is) you should have 2 belts, one that runs the a/c and the other that runs the power steering and alternator. the power steering fluid resovior is normally located on your left hand side(facing the car) beside the radiator, it usually has a yellow cap on it but it should say "power steering fluid" but use only subaru ATF or dexron III (automatic transmission fluid)

 

juantawn,

super appreciate the info! I'll get it checked out tomorrow. Just curious, should it be full or at a certain level? If it's not enough, what should I go out and buy?

 

If it's not enough, what should I go out and buy?

If it's below level you should look to buy Dexron III AT fluid. I'm pretty sure, but double check your manual just to be sure.

 

there will be a cold full line and a hot full line. the cold fill line is where you want it if the car has been sitting over night. as the fluid gets hot it will expand and reach the hot full line.

 

subaru ATF or Dexron III (automatic transmission fluid)

 

Understood. Thanks so much for your help!!

 

The power steering pump is right where you're talking about the noise coming from so it's likely this is one of 4 things:
1. Fluid level is low (unlikely on a new car with only 12k miles).
2. Pump is bad (unlikely on a new car with only 12k miles).
3. Belt is loose (unlikely on a new car with only 12k miles, but more likely than 1 or 2).
4. The noise is normal and you're either just overly sensitive or not used to how loud the pump is in a Subaru.

 

@teflon_jones,
You're probably right... but I'm pretty sure the noise wasn't there about 2 months ago. So I'll check the fluid level and see what happens.