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Subaru Legacy Steering Issues

27 messages,  Last post on Oct 23, 2011 at 8:53 PM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Legacy, Steering

Messages Page 3 of 3

#18 of 27 Re: 95 Legacy w/ turning noise... [speed_ga] by malarkeyman

Oct 17, 2007 (5:54 am)

Replying to: speed_ga (Jun 15, 2007 11:51 pm)
Hello, I saw your post and I am having the exact problem with my 1996 Subaru Legacy GT wagon (2.5 Litre). I just replaced the head gaskets and this is the only remaining problem: When I insert the fuse, the problem goes away. This led me to think it was the rear differential or driveshaft, but I jacked the car up and moved the drive shaft by hand and had someone help by turning the rear wheels and everything in the rear seemed fine.
 
What some people are calling a center differential, the tech manual calls a transfer clutch. (I have a tech manual covering the transmission). I am thinking this is the problem. It can not be the front differential as the problem would not go away by installing the fuse.
 
Do you have any additional information? Do you want me to keep you in the loop regarding what I learn?
Let me know
Thanks
Tony

#19 of 27 98 Legacy Outback Steering Problem by mariagaharris

Dec 02, 2008 (11:03 am)

I started having this problem 6 months ago. The wheel makes this quicks stop and go's while steering and doesn't return to neutral by itself. A mechanic changed two steering pumps (used) and is a little better but still stiff. No steering fluid leak. Now I moved to New Jersey and brought my Subaru on tow. I took it to have brakes and oil change done and complained about the steering to the mechanics. They swore there's nothing wrong with it...but steering still needs a lot of attention while driving! I need some who can give me some answer! I live in NJ very close to New Brunswick (I'm in Milltown).
Thanks
 
Gaby

#20 of 27 Re: 98 Legacy Outback Steering Problem [mariagaharris] by paisan

Dec 02, 2008 (7:00 pm)

Replying to: mariagaharris (Dec 02, 2008 11:03 am)
I've seen bad steering rack bushings cause you not to get the re-centering. We do a lot of work on subarus at my shop in Kenilworth, NJ (Exit 138 on the GSP) and have fixed a few with new steering rack bushings and/or tie-rods. Kind of thing you need to check out. If you look up on Edmunds Shops in Kenilworth, NJ under Local Services at the top of the page our info is there under AZP Installs.
 
-mike
Subaru Guru and Track Instructor

#21 of 27 Re: 98 Legacy Outback Steering Problem [mariagaharris] by steveh7

Jun 01, 2009 (9:49 am)

Replying to: mariagaharris (Dec 02, 2008 11:03 am)
My 99 legacy outback steering wheel is hard to turn and doesn't return to straight on its own. What do you think it is based on what you learned? Heres everything I checked: Tire size and air pressure. No binding from ball joints or other components. PS pump output pressure 1000 psi, fluid full, no leaks and all belts tight. Could it be the rack?
thanks
Steve H

#22 of 27 gotta differential probblem with my 97 subaru wagon by pricedhigh

Feb 24, 2010 (1:29 am)

i have the fwd fuse out of my car and my back two wheels locked up... any ideas on whats wrong

#23 of 27 Re: 07 Legacy Power Steering Problem [kevind2] by chicago_chic

Oct 04, 2010 (2:00 pm)

Replying to: kevind2 (Sep 13, 2007 8:03 am)
I just had the same problem (needing to have the steering rack, etc.) replaced at 7000 miles. Shocking! I have a 2010 Impreza wagon.

#24 of 27 Re: 07 Legacy Power Steering Problem [chicago_chic] by merrie

Oct 04, 2010 (3:22 pm)

Replying to: chicago_chic (Oct 04, 2010 2:00 pm)
If it's any consolation, my Legacy has 67,000 miles on it now and I haven't had any more problems with the steering or anything else. It was just a defective part, luck of the draw I guess. Good luck.

#25 of 27 Re: gotta differential probblem with my 97 subaru wagon [pricedhigh] by ateixeira

Oct 05, 2010 (8:34 am)

Replying to: pricedhigh (Feb 24, 2010 1:29 am)
Can you clarify?
 
You say "i have the fwd fuse out of my car"...
 
When you take the fuse out, it's AWD.
 
You actually insert the fuse to go to FWD mode.
 
So it seems like the problem occurs when AWD is engaged.

#26 of 27 power stearing by lloydfire

Oct 23, 2011 (6:44 am)

So my power steering has been making noises the last few weeks when i turn to the left. Well this am i was heading to work and it was cold out side and it mad a loud squeaking noise and then after i made my third turn this morning i noticed the my break light and battery light came on on the dash board, I also smelled like a burning smell and i had no power steering. any thoughts?? thanks

#27 of 27 Re: power stearing [lloydfire] by chicago_chic

Oct 23, 2011 (8:53 pm)

Replying to: lloydfire (Oct 23, 2011 6:44 am)
Sounds like it could be the steering rack, which is a serious problem. This is what happened to my Impreza wagon at only 7K miles.
Initially with power steering problems, you will only hear noise (and shaking) when the car is cold, and when you turn to extremes. Later, more stuff happens more often.
 
If you've lost power steering, and lights are on, this really sounds like an urgent situation. It might be unsafe to even drive the car. I ended up getting my car towed using the Subaru 24 hour roadside assist to the closest dealer. It was easy. No hassle, no problem, no charge.
 
[I had waited until my car was un-driveable because I kept thinking it was 1) my imagination, or 2) I'd take it to the dealer and they would say #1]
 
One quick thing you can check is the power steering fluid level, if you're able. My car had no fluid left after the rack had broken.
 
Good luck, be safe, and let us know how things work out

Messages Page 3 of 3

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