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Subaru Legacy Steering Issues

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

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What is this discussion about? Subaru Legacy, Steering

Messages Page 1 of 3

#1 of 27 07 Legacy Power Steering Problem by merrie

Feb 08, 2007 (8:09 pm)

I bought a brand new 07 Legacy 2.5i sedan at the end of 2006. At 1500 miles the steering was problematic, took it in to the dealer, and by the time they were done, they replaced the entire power steering system. They said the problem was with the power steering rack, which they replaced. I asked if this new part was from the same supplier, so could also be defective, and apparently it is. I am rather alarmed, this is the 1st brand new car I have purchased in 20+ years. Has anyone had similar problems? - Merrie

#2 of 27 Re: 07 Legacy Power Steering Problem [merrie] by paisan

Feb 08, 2007 (8:59 pm)

Replying to: merrie (Feb 08, 2007 8:09 pm)
That's odd. But there are only like 2 or 3 manufacturers of all the PS racks on all cars. My guess is they didn't fix it properly the first time.
 
-mike

#3 of 27 Re: 07 Legacy Power Steering Problem [merrie] by ateixeira

Feb 09, 2007 (1:12 pm)

Replying to: merrie (Feb 08, 2007 8:09 pm)
That problem sounds a bit unusual. I think I've heard of only one other steering rack issue and I've followed all the Subaru threads for 9 years now.
 
Let the dealer fix it, call 800-SUBARU3 if you need help from SoA. I'm sure they'll sort it out and this will become a distant memory.
 
-juice

#4 of 27 Re: 07 Legacy Power Steering Problem [ateixeira] by xwesx

Feb 09, 2007 (5:15 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Feb 09, 2007 1:12 pm)
Okay, so maybe I am a little confused here. The responses look as though the assumption is made that the steering problems are ongoing - as in the "complete system replacement" did not work. I do not read that from the text - I read that you have concerns about whether the problem will recur, since the replacement equipment is the same as that replaced.
 
If it is working properly, I expect, as do Mike and juice, that this same problem is highly unlikely to recur. Steering problems, in general, are not common, but there are always bound to be one or two bad products to come off every production line. I think you just were unlucky.

#5 of 27 Re: 07 Legacy Power Steering Problem [xwesx] by merrie

Feb 10, 2007 (7:27 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Feb 09, 2007 5:15 pm)
Thanks for all the comments. Other than an odor from the front end that smells like burning plastic - which seems to be going away now after a couple hundred miles of driving - probably has something to do with the new rack installation - the cars is running fine. I am hoping it was just a fluke. I am really glad to have the Subaru back after driving Sebring rental cars and will hope for the best. I have quite a few miles left on the warranty and, if worse comes to worse, the lemon law window. -merrie

#6 of 27 Re: 07 Legacy Power Steering Problem [merrie] by ateixeira

Feb 12, 2007 (10:19 am)

Replying to: merrie (Feb 10, 2007 7:27 pm)
Probably some grease on the hot exhaust, that should go away. You could have the undercarriage washed, but if it's already fading I wouldn't worry.
 
-juice

#7 of 27 99 Subaru Legacy Power steering prob by rharpin

Apr 05, 2007 (2:35 am)

my power steering recently became very stiff. In retrospect, about a month ago I mistakenly added a little power steering fluid (instead of ATF fluid) to the reservoir. So yesterday I flushed two volumes of ATF through it. still is stiff. Have I ruined both pump and rack? Should I start by replacing pump and see what happens?

#8 of 27 Re: 99 Subaru Legacy Power steering prob [rharpin] by paisan

Apr 05, 2007 (4:52 am)

Replying to: rharpin (Apr 05, 2007 2:35 am)
If it isn't leaking it's probably not the rack. I'd say start with the pump or check the belts to make sure they are tight.
 
-mike

#9 of 27 95 Legacy w/ turning noise... by speed_ga

Jun 08, 2007 (9:38 pm)

Ok I have a 1995 subaru legacy and whenever I go to make a turn... the car studders. Like the wheels are gripping the road really hard. When I go to turn the wheel it does a stop, go, stop, go, stop fast motion. On some days it's worse than others. Feels like the noise is coming from the rear of the car but I can feel it in my steering wheel. A while back I looked into fixing it and found that it may be the differential box or something like that. any info would help me out alot. I have taken it to a few people and all I got out of that is a whole new rear end replacement and it still has the same problem.

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

Jun 10, 2007 (8:33 am)

Replying to: speed_ga (Jun 08, 2007 9:38 pm)
Sounds like a front or rear differential or possibly a bad axle.
 
-mike

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