[arizonaadam]

I've been getting some odd groaning/grinding noise when making sharp turns like into a parking space. PS pump isn't making an unusual amount of noise like I've experienced when pumps in other cars failed. Thinking it might be a front end issue, like tie rods or a wheel bearing, I lifted the front to have a look and nothing out of the ordinary was found.

I then turned the car on and turned the wheel back and forth, and when I turn fast both wheels shake/vibrate rather remarkably. While turning the high pressure hose pulsates. There's plenty of fluid though it's been sometime since I've changed it.

There also appears to be some wetness on reservoir hose. I've never seen a pump failure look like this so I'm afraid the rack may be to blame.

Edit: it tracks and drives fine going straight, no pulling, wandering, shuddering, anything like that, it's just a turning problem.

Thanks

 

[NoVASAC]

I'm leaning toward CVs, but I'll let the experts weigh in.

Sent from my motorola one 5G ace using Tapatalk

 

[Toad442]

If its a high pitched squeak, like someone dragging a live squirrel, claws against a chalk board, one of the tie rods or ball joints have a dry socket.

PS hydraulics have a groan. If you can park next to a curb, engine running, in park, turn the tire into the curb and hold, it will load up the hydraulics and reproduce a groan. Fluid flush time.

You could also have failing strut plates in the front. Engine running, in park. Have someone turn the wheel lock to lock. Put your hand on the spring. The spring should turn smoothly with the wheel. If the spring binds, pop, chatters, the strut plate is shot. Replace both sides. Loaded struts are just easier.

 

[Jon89]

Could be one of the CV axles as mentioned above. I had similar noises coming from the front of my 2013 3.6R back in the November / December timeframe, and it turned out to be my right front CV axle. The boots were intact, no outwardly visible sign of failure, but it happens sometimes.

 

[Micron]

I'd agree with struts. The jumping hose is likely pressure buildup due to binding which is overcome, then pressure drops until the next bind. It happens rapidly through the turn.

 

[dukey33]

What happens when the steering is turned in the same manner except with the engine off?

 

[arizonaadam]

With the engine off, wheels lifted, the steering is completely smooth.

 

[dukey33]

If it is smooth without the power assist, that's where I would focus my attention. It could be in the pump but possibly the steering rack especially if it happens at a consistent spot/steering angle.

If you can find the P/S leak (hose, o-ring, etc), correct that and replenish with fresh fluid being sure to bleed the system. There is a chance the leak caused a low fluid condition and the pump is sucking air creating the symptoms described. The fluid spec is Subaru or Dexron III ATF...it is worthwhile to switch to synthetic ATF. P/S systems usually don't hold very much fluid so the cost increase is minimal.
Try the easy things first.