DennisBlades

Just to update on the outcome.... The tyres were indeed slightly under-inflated, and the steering lightened up a bit with correct pressures. I then noticed sidewall bulges in some areas, so weak sidewalls might be a contributing factor also. When finances are sorted a decent set of tyres will be fitted, then I can report again.

Hi and thanks! I will do that tomorrow. I had not thought of that as the car rides really hard. But I am probably comparing it to the 2.0 X which maybe has softer suspension.

Hi and thanks for the response. The belt is tight, and there is no noise at all. If you put slight pressure on the accelerator pedal so that the engine speed raises the steering lightens up considerably, and the fluid level is at "full" with the engine running. I hope that the pump is not packing up so early in life!

Regarding your question on the Titanium Spark Plugs, it is a good idea to replace your standard plugs with THE CORRECT EQUIVALENT Titanium or Platinum or even better if you can. When Subaru introduced their twin cam 16 valve engine they marketed the vehicles so fitted with these plugs because of their longevity. It is not easy to change plugs on a 16 valver boxer engine, so the plugs are supposed to last 100,000 km. I would say it is expensive, comparatively speaking, but worth it.

Hi to all. My first post is a question... Always happens that way doesn't it?! Anyhow, I'm the proud owner of a 2007 Forester 2.5 XT, 53,000 km on the clock. The only problems so far are a P2444 error which I know is a sensor failure on the air pump, which is no prob for me as this island is too small for cruise control, but the problem that I would really like help with is the power steering is non-existent at parking speeds. If you try to move the wheel at low speeds you need more force than in my '75 TK Bedford truck with manual steering gear. Any ideas? Please?