power steering
 

I have a 92 svx that has a slight shudder while doing slow tight turns. High speed is good, around town is good, fluid looks good. It happens when I'm turning into a parking spot, right or left. I haven't noticed it backing up. Also, the more I drive the car, the less noticeable it is. Sometimes I leave the car sit for a week or two. Then it's really obvious.

Greg

This could very well be a case of air in the fluid, as a result of a leaking O ring, located at the base of the fluid reservoir. Check the how too documents, as the fault is well documented and is a cheap and easy fix.

Got the procedure. the car is going into the garage for a timing chain next week. I'll try it then.

Thanks. Greg

I smell Torquebind, not power steering problems.

No chain, a belt. :)

Where is the shudder?
 

Does it feel like the shudder is just in the steering or does it feel like it's in the drive train? If it's just in the steering, it sounds like it could be a simple drive (or serpentine) belt tension problem.

It feels like it's in the steering to me. The belt looks good, no cracks or obvious wear and the tension feels ok. I also plan on replacing the s-belt when I replace the t-belt* (Thanks Ensteele, I actually knew this as I just ordered it and plan on changing it out myself. Hopefully the car will run again).

Torquebind? Hmmn, that smells much more expensive. Perhaps I should investigate this.

So, the plan right now is to change the fluid (I'll use the turkey baster method), the reservoir O ring, and the s-belt.

Is there anything that I can do to determine if torquebind is the culprit?

Greg

While you are in doing the T belt, I would also replace the water pump. :)

Torquebind is a feeling more derived from the drivetrain. It feels like the entire car is trying to bind up. If you go to a parking lot and try to drive in tight figure 8's and the car shudders as soon as you start making those sharp turns, I'd be willing to bet you have torquebind, not issues with the power steering.

That is the easiest way to check for the torquebind issue. :)

Yup,

I've got a new radiator, hoses, water pump, thermostat, crank and cam seals, t, s, and alt belts and a bunch of gaskets. Should be interesting. I've got my fingers crossed about the ps res o ring.

I looked around for info about the torquebind and found Tom saying:

"It's ALIVE!!!! The new tailshaft has fixed all ailments. My guess is that there was an abstruction of the transfer valve in the old housing which would not allow it to actually cut the line pressure. I know the Sol. C was working but the transfer valve was not."

Greg

How about putting the fuse in for front wheel drive only and seeing if it's still happening?

That's a great way to test for torque bind. I always forget about that. Just put in the fuse, and try tight turns. If the car binds still, it's something not transmission related.

I forgot as well. Good suggestion. :)

Shuddering
 

I had the same exact symptoms around six months ago. AWD was stuck on all the time. I got a new c solenoid online and had subaru put it in. At two different Subaru dealers here the mechanics think that the clutch plates need replacing as well. Turns out mine were ok and just the solenoid fixed the problem. Check the tranny codes if you can. Mine did say the c solenoid. Good luck.

Mike:)