Legacy Steering

[rene7]

Hi Guys hope you can help - The Power steering on my car - a 2005 2.5Litre Legacy Tourer has become very stiff especially on extreme lock just after starting the engine from cold, Its especially noticeable when pulling out of a tight parking space. -- after the engine gets warm all seems OK, Tracking is OK [Even Tyre wear]
There's plenty of fluid in the system and AFAICS there are no fluid leaks -- I haven't had to top up the fluid in 5 years of ownership. Any Ideas what might be the problem and how I do I cure it??
TA
Rene

[Lotobear]

Check the belt tension and replace o ring on the pipe connection to pump

[rene7]

Lotobear
Many thanks for reply - Belt tension is fine, How does the pipe 'o' ring you mention affect the steering effort?
TA
Rene

[Lotobear]

Hi Rene,

The O ring is a common issue, causes air to get drawn in and greatly reduces the efficacy of the fluid to transit power thereby increasing driver effort

I had the same issue as you - a belt and O ring change cured it. Both cheap and easy to DIY

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Subaru-Forester-Legacy-...

[rene7]

Lotobear
WOW - never thought of that
How come the oil doesn't leak out thereby letting you know there's a problem
Whatever However.
Many thanks fr your solution - Just ordered one
Rene

[Lotobear]

..it's on the return pipe so the oil is being pulled back rather than pushed out

[rene7]

Well finally got around to fitting the 'O' ring - can't believe that this is what was causing the problem
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The O ring swap takes about 5 minutes, - being obsessive I also used Black Silicon around the flange to ensure a perfect seal, I left the car to stand overnight to ensure the silicon set fully.
Toatal cost was £6 for the OEM subaru 'O' ring - but any good bearing supplier [eg BSL/Brammer] ought to be able to supply one for about 5 Pence!!
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Many thanks to Lotobear for this simple fix

Edited by rene7 on Saturday 14th September 16:15