Intermittent Heavy Steering

[elspiko]

Hi all,

I've got a Blob eye WRX that has recently started developing problems whilst steering. From straight to a direction its a bit heavy, but back to almost straight is fine. Getting it to turn the other way is a real struggle but once turned, the same thing applies.

Now I had my tracking done a week or two ago when I originally had this problem which seemed to fix it. Since then its been fine but as of Saturday it went again, but much worse than before.

The weird thing however, is that this is intermittent. So on Saturday after I almost wrapped myself round a tree, I pulled over and got on to the phone to various people and 15 mins later I started the car up and went to move it to a better location and for 30-45 seconds was fine but then went heavy again and was a real struggle to steer. I managed to drive home, and for the most part it was horrid, but it would behave as it there was nothing wrong.

My power steering fluid is to the max line, so I know its nothing stupid like that but my mates reckon it is probably the power steering pump thats gone or is on the way out. What do you guys reckon?

[Gambit]

Would be my 1st guess the power steering pump, with you already checking the fluid

 

I would give your power steering belt a check also. Just make sure the belts going around ok and get a friend to move the steering wheel from left to right to see if there is a problem with one of the pullys

[elspiko]

Thanks Gambit. I was under the impression that if there is a problem with the belt etc then there would be an audible whine, is it possible that it could have an issue but not make a sound?

[Gambit]

Generally yes your right. But could be a tapping sound from one of the wheels spinning that you might not hear when sat in the car.

 

It would most likely look like a buckled bike wheel when it's spinning should see it. And it's the only thing I would say to check now before maybe getting a garage to check the pump, Just to say it is, or isn't

 

Have to keep us informed might be non of the above. Maybe no more then a blockage not sure I have heard if that's  possible but you never know :D

[drf1971]

im having the same problem on my 97 2.0 sport just got a pump and new fluid gonna try that next weekend....will let you know how I get on....darren

[Gambit]

Nice one Darren much appreciated .

[elspiko]

So after weeks of no one having a clue, replacing parts and considerable expense, it was the steering rack that went. Seems to be alright now although as my MOT has expired during all of this I haven't been able to give it a proper test yet.

Incidentally try and get parts second hand as new steering pumps and racks are astronomically expensive lol

[Gambit]

Wow that would have been my last guess too :o But on the plus side least you got it sorted, just need to get the sucker MOT'd and good to go again :)

 

Take it any mods planned are now on hold :( And thanks for letting us know :)

[Kayleigh]

Hi. 

My Subaru has had some issues with steering. 

We've had wheel alignment done. 

New pump.

fluid level is fine (not that silly not to check)

new steering rack

changed the cooler pipe (the pipe that runs by the rad)  because it had burst. 

After each of these things were changed it was fine then back to square one. The car has an attitude problem but it's becoming a nuisance 

Its now only 'heavy' while its cold then goes light steering. But then feels as though at any point the steering could go heavy. 

What else could this be as so many people that 'own' a Subaru think they know everything and it's kind of frustrating!! 

Some advice would be really appreciated 

cheers 🙂

[savage bulldogs]

Does sound like you've replaced most of what I would have suggested tbh . I personally have never taken apart or bled a power steering system on a scoob .

Seeing as it's affected by temperature was the new fluid the right grade ?

Maybe bleed the system again ?

Were all the above parts new genuine subaru bits ?

Hope you get it sorted soon

If it's not broke .....upgrade it 😊

[Kayleigh]

Hi,

thanks for the quick reply. 

Yes all were genuine parts. 

Going into motex aka japmad and asking for fluid with my Reg I assume it's the right grade? 

Would a slow puncture affect the steering?  (Not being a bimbo)

if it carries on it will be a red bull can 😂

[MarkT79]

I had the same problem a few weeks ago, The wheel got very stiff at around 45 degrees and was hard to get back straight again, Fluid was fine, Belt was fine, No odd noises from the pump

The solution:

I was told it could be corrosion debris in the universal joint, This is the shaft that runs from the steering wheel to the steering rack, it's a round bar with 2 knuckle joints, These were the problem, You need to find some duck oil, It's like WD40 but will not form a seal and lets the !Removed! out, It's made by Swarfega, Spraying is messy and it stinks if it hits a hot exhaust so I filled a syringe, Apply liberally to both knuckle joints, If you have scrawny arms like me you can reach down from beside the air filter, Once it's soaked in a bit start working the steering lock to lock, Hopefully things will get easier, Keep applying oil and working the steering from side to side, you need a good 20 minutes of this, maybe half an hour and don't skimp on the oil, All been well by the end of it you can go lock to lock with just one finger, I've not tried with WD40 or any other release spray so I can't really recommend them but they will possibly work, It's a cheap and easy fix, My car is 15 year old with quite high mileage and it's the first time I've had a problem with steering, I'd not noticed how bad it had got but it's been fine since and drives like new

[Si_wrx]

Similar issue with a blob eye- it was the knuckles! Easy fix. Also checked belt, pump and rack.