1992 LS-L Touring PS Pump
 

Hey folks,
I'm new to the forum, and the SVX scene in general, thought I'd say hi and ask a question or two. I just bought a black 1992 LS-L, hopefully picking it up sometime in the next week or so. The guy selling it is a mechanic, he was selling it for a woman who brought it in for repairs (needed new front CV shafts, new brake pads, and could probably use a new ps pump, as it is noisy until it warms up). The guy is quoting me $221 for the pump, which is a lot less than prices I've seen in the past, but I thought I'd post here and see what these usually go for. I assume since its the LS-L its the vehicle speed sensing type of PS pump, right? Thanks for any info!

Welcome !! There is a very common problem with the SVX and power steering. It is not usually the pump, but I don't know what the real problem is on this car. There is an O ring that goes bad, and when this happens, gives all indications that it is a bad pump, but if the O ring is replaced, it usually fixes the problem. There are directions on how to do this easy fix in a locker called How To. Here is a link to it. Good luck and again, welcome to the forum. :)

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/user.php?How-To

Had a feeling I was going to see that mentioned at least once. Well, I may just do that, since getting the pump will make the difference between getting the car tomorrow and getting it sometime next week. I've read through the procedure for changing the o-ring, and I just have to wonder: given my relative lack of mechanical experience with cars (I've changed oil, I've installed speakers and head units, and thats about it), can I safely do this myself?

If you find that you actually do need a pump, I have one for $150 that has around 50,000 miles on it. :)

Mike

Thanks Mike, I'll let you know if I need it.

If you have the proper tools, it is quite simple. I have changed several and they usually are not even there. They have gone to pieces or are so hard, they no longer seal. You don't need to have a leak to have it give you problems. It can simply suck air into the system. Good Luck. :)

I've seen the inside of the PS pump and even if it's not the O-ring, it wouldn't stop me from buying if the rest of the car is in good condition. However, I wouldn't pay $200+ for a new pump. It would be simple to rebuild the pump to like new condition for less than $50 in parts as long as there is no damage to the cartridge assembly.

KuoH

Thanks everyone, I'm going to get the car tomorrow, I'll let you all know how everything turns out.

Does the power steering pump make the sound of an airleak?

Not anymore. After the mechanic changed the ps fluid, it works great, nice and quiet. Now to fix the more serious issue of the transmission (discussed in my other thread in this forum).

Actually... I was asking a question about mine cuz I have an air leak.

If there is a leak in the PS pump will I get a loud air leak sound if I push the gas?

How much have you looked for the problem? Could you maybe have a cracked vacuum hose or a bearing starting to go?

Could the 0 ring also be a cause of a sluggish power steering?? Ours doesn't make noise, steering is just sluggish like 1/2 power steering 1/2 not!