[CSFiend]

Just throwing this out there, as I had a similar problem when I bought my car.... is the fluid reservoir full (to the max line, not full-full, of course)?

 

[DavidPeab]

Yup. When I checked the bottle it was at the top of the Max when hot line and the car was warmed up.

BTW, it is more of a whirring sound than a whining sound, in case that helps with further diagnosis.

 

[CSFiend]

Re-read your OP -- between both symptoms listed, if you've refilled and bled the power steering system with no change, I'd say it's the pump.

If/when it completely fails, I believe you'll only lose your power assist. Unless something seizes, in which case you'll lose your belt. I drove a 91 Lumina with a failed (and dry) pump for 20K. Nothing bad came of it aside of sweet, massive biceps.

 

[canubaru]

wait , stop, it is not the pump. it is the o-ring on the suction hose on top of the pump that comes from the reservoir. the o-ring leaks and the pump sucks air while pumping. either remove the o-ring and match it up or do a search on opposedforces.com/parts and get the part number for a dealer purchase.

even if it is the pump, trying the o-ring is a couple of $$ and 15 minutes to try . and you will want a new one on the new pump if you have to replace it. try the o-ring.

 

[DavidPeab]

That is the kind of answer I was hoping for. I'll try the ring when I get time and let you know how it goes. BTW, would the air cause the whirring noise as well as the jerky steering wheel?

 

[KorsH]

It's definitely the air being sucked into the steering pump. In my case this whirring sound became permanent at temperatures lower than +15C. The problem was solved by the replacement of the O-ring and the hose itself.

 

[DavidPeab]

KorsH - спасибо вы (Thank you)

Can I get this O-ring from any source (Autozone, hardware store, internet?) or would you folks recommend I only buy the OEM from the dealership?

 

[KorsH]

KorsH - спасибо вы (Thank you)

Any time

Can I get this O-ring from any source (Autozone, hardware store, internet?) or would you folks recommend I only buy the OEM from the dealership?

I suggest you buy OEM o-ring. Subaru parts quality is quite decent, IMO.
Do not forget about hose. In my case it was rock solid, not flexible as normal rubber hose should be. So I think that replacing that hose too is not a bad idea.


Kind regards, Serge.

 

[DavidPeab]

Will do. I'll let you know how it works out.

 

[DavidPeab]

I ordered the parts from Annapolis Subaru. I went ahead and ordered new hose clamps as well because the old ones look pretty rusty and brittle.

 

[canubaru]

i hope this fixes it. there is a good write up on this by someone, lockmedic maybe, or 1luckytexan, can't remember.

if it does turn out to be the pump, which i doubt, there is a re-built?, re-man?, one listed on CL in DC for $100. he's been trying to sell it for months and months. he started at $150. ... it maybe for a H6 though, can't remember. i must be getting old.

 

[KorsH]

It's too sad steering pump from the next gen EZ30R doesn't directly fit our EZ30's. There are must be a lot of them for sale with low mileage and acceptable price. Used, of course. You have to re-weld high-pressure hose connector to fit the newer pump
Cost of the new OEM pump for our engines (1999-2003) makes me sick... $600 here in Moscow with 3 weeks delivery...

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

i hope this fixes it. there is a good write up on this by someone, lockmedic maybe, or 1luckytexan, can't remember.

if it does turn out to be the pump, which i doubt, there is a re-built?, re-man?, one listed on CL in DC for $100. he's been trying to sell it for months and months. he started at $150. ... it maybe for a H6 though, can't remember. i must be getting old.

maybe this thread?; http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums...-does-air-get-into-power-steering-system.html

 

[DavidPeab]

A couple of more things: Can someone please remind me which fluid I should use in the pump. I recall it is ATF and NOT power steering fluid, but I cleaned up my workbench (I do it every year or so whether it needs it or not), and don't remember which bottle to use. I maintain 3 of my own and 2 of my folks' vehicles and don't want to grab the wrong stuff.

Also, here is the diagram the dealership emailed to me:

I ordered the hose 34611D, the hose clamps #3 - although I might use the screw type hose clamps, and the ring washer 34607. Hope that's it. The whole batch came out to about $40.

 

[DavidPeab]

OK, so the image did not load. Go here to see the diagram the Subaru dealer emailed to me: http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/5784/image003di.jpg

I ordered the hose 34611D, the hose clamps #3 - although I might use the screw type hose clamps, and the ring washer 34607. Hope that's it. The whole batch came out to about $40.

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

OK, so the image did not load. Go here to see the diagram the Subaru dealer emailed to me: http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/5784/image003di.jpg

I ordered the hose 34611D, the hose clamps #3 - although I might use the screw type hose clamps, and the ring washer 34607. Hope that's it. The whole batch came out to about $40.

I'm concerned that drawing 'might' be for the H4 - but I can't quite tell for sure. You have an H4 right? sometimes on those, it's just a re-tightening job for some people. And I'm pretty sure there are 2 o-rings total.

anyone?

did you see bubbles in the reservoir when idlig?

and yes Dexron II or equivalent (I used the Valvoline Dex/merc) NOT 'generic' ps fluid.

 

[KorsH]

OK, so the image did not load.
...skipped...
The whole batch came out to about $40.

I agree with 1 Lucky Texan - your image seems to be for H4. Anyway, these images I've got are for H6:

34611D, 34488B and 34607 are the ones.

And yes, simple dexron II/III or similar is your PS fluid of choice.


Kind regards, Serge.

 

[DavidPeab]

Yup I've got the 2.5L 4 cyl. so I assume it's an H4. I told the dealership parts dept what year and model I had before they sent the diagram. If they are the wrong ones I'll be able to tell before I leave the shop and they will swap for me. I have a good relationship with Annapolis Subaru, so far. The hose seemed really stiff and the clamps are rusted beyond recognition, so I figure it won't hurt to do them as well. The dealer only found one O-ring to replace. Perhaps 34607 is a set. It is hard to tell by the diagram. I'll know for sure when the parts come in.

 

[KorsH]

Hope it will get you rid of this sound. I suspected my steering pump was dying when I heard that sound, but my mechanic told me not to panic He had replaced two o-rings and the hose and now i'm happy Sound is totally gone and the steering works as usual.


Kind regards, Serge.