Impreza steering issue

[bejc]

Apologies if this isnt the right place, please advice..

I recently bought a 2002 WRX which Im extremely happy with, except for a problem that seems to have occured with the power steering. It seems that it works fine when im 'on the move', but drop below a certain amount of revs and the steering goes really heavy, like its not working at all? I dont know whether its the power steering pump, but Ive also heard it could be air getting into the system?

Does anyone know anything about this? Is it a common problem?
Cheers guys

[fido]

have you checked for leaks around the power steering pump?

[bejc]

YEa no sign of any leaks, have also checked the fluid level several times, theres no strange noises or anything...just dont wanna have to replace the pump @ £180!

[Gwagon111]

It's pretty common, check the tension of the belt.

[bejc]

Checked that too :S

[ScoobieWRX]

You need to look for leaks around the right hand side of the steering rack. You'll see two brake pipe type pipes next to each other, they bolt into the rack right in front of where the steering column shaft sits just behind the crossmember. Very hard to get to these pipes to tighten them up, just make sure they aren't leaking.

I had the same issue a few years back with mine. Had a leak (same pipes i've just described) and that buggered the pump up when it ran dry. Steering fluid is also lubrication for the power steering pump. Once they run dry they've had it.

Sounds like the car has a leak somewhere or has had a bad leak in the past and buggered the pump.

These power steering systems work out all the air by themselves once you've put the fluid in. You will only have large amounts of air in the system if it is very low in fluid.

On low engine idle the fluid pumps round gently so if there are any large air gaps the pump will stop working and you lose power steering pressure.

P.S. Pick up a 2nd hand pump from somewhere like Grade A Subaru.

Edited by ScoobieWRX on Friday 4th March 19:33

[bejc]

Thanks for that mate, about the most information Ive had pretty much anywhere!
I figured it would need a new or refurbed pump at some point, but thanks for shedding light on the issue!

[ScoobieWRX]

You're welcome. That's one of the things these forums are for. If you get stuck send me an email.