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Wheels shudder when turning when the front end is lifted off the ground

425 Views 7 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  dukey33
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
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What happens when the steering is turned in the same manner except with the engine off?
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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.
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