Please help; Cold start groan/whine that's getting worse

[e39dinan]

Hello,

My wife and I have a 2002 Outback 3.0 which has developed a loud whine upon cold start. When driving, the noise tracks RPMs (not vehicle speed), and when the car is warm it goes away. Power steering has always been weak (almost as if there's no power assist sometimes when parked and turning the wheel), Though I haven't really noticed anything getting worse in regards to shifting or power steering, I'm guessing it's either the power steering pump or torque converter, but I don't really know what's common or likely with this model.

Does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks!

DanB

[1 Lucky Texan]

common issues possibly related to a whine type of noise;

1. air in the power steering system usually due to a bad o-ring in the suction hose adapter on top of the pump - while idling, inspect for bubbles/foam in the PS fluid tank.

2. serpentine belt idler and tenisoner bearings, if severely worn, a wobble might be observed while idleing. Or felt with belt removed. Regardless, if they haven't been changed, they definitely need it.

3. less likely without other symptoms would be a failing alternator.

certainly, there are several other sources that could make a whine.


there are many posts on these issues with DIY info, pics, part numbers etc.

[FOX-]

What kind of oil do you use? How's the level? It might be the timing chain.


-Tim

[william77]

My 03 outback just started this tonight as well. I just did some other work on the car, but nothing power steering related. It's really cold here and my car sat for a week. My idler pulley was changed before I bought the car but I'm not ruling it out. My h6 has 160k. How many miles on yours. I hope it is low fluid as I am looking forward to trouble free holiday driving. It will be 20 degrees tonight where I am. Sick of changing seals this weekend.

[Glennda5id]

I have had a persistent whine and steady losses of power steering assist over the last two years. I replaced the oring and the suction hose but that did not help. I rebuilt my pump myself which did not help. I still suspect the pump though and ordered a reman one from autozone. I will install in a week or so and report back. My car has 175k. The h6 pumps are a differnt design from the other cars and seem to be more prone to failure.

[1 Lucky Texan]

there's also a TSB concerning a pressure relief valve in the side of the pump. But, I dunno the symptoms of that problem. Would changing/resealing that valve have been part of a rebuild?

[Glennda5id]

Wholly crap, Texan, i thought i was taking crazy pills when my rebuild did not resolve the issue. I found the TSB and accordibng to it Subaru sells a replacement pressure relief valve to deal with this issue to address this problem. See TSB in next post....

I will order the part today and replace and report back.

[Glennda5id]

NUMBER 04-13-09
DATE: 12/14/09
APPLICABILITY
2001~07MY Legacy/Outback H-6
2003~08MY Forester 2.5L N/A and Turbo
2004~07MY Impreza 2.5L N/A
SUBJECT:
Power Steering Pump Relief Valve
Introduction
If you encounter a vehicle that has a groaning type noise coming from the power steering pump when the wheel is turned to the full right or left position when the vehicle is parked, it may be caused by the relief valve vibrating within the pump. In lieu of replacing the power steering pump, the relief valve is now available as a replacement part.

[e39dinan]

You guys are awesome. Will stay tuned to hear how the new pressure relief valve / reman ps pump work out before proceeding. Oh and of course I will re check fluids.

[e39dinan]

Just a followup to see if anyone has any updates for the thread