Power Steering Question

I think my PS pump is out. I am not thrilled about spending $300+ dollars, for a new pump right now. Is this pump a common Subaru item, or is it something that's unique to the SVX? I'd like to try and pick on up in a salvage yard if its fairly common. Any comments?

Also, it looks like a straight forward replacement... is there anything that I should look out for\do\take care of while Im in there, on this project? Thanks.

Sonny

[Stevebsy]

Are you sure it's shot? It could be the famous 'o-ring' problem. Do a search on here for o-ring and you may save yourself a few hundred bucks.

What are the symptoms? That would help.

Nope, Im not sure at all, to be honest. I mean its just feels like its "not working" and its hard to turn. No other symptoms really. Sonny

Im gonna try the "o-ring" deal in the next day or so... I dont think in this case thats the issue, but its so cheap, etc., that its definitely worth a shot.

That aside... can anyone help with my original question? Is this PS pump unique to the SVX, or is it a common Sube part? Just tryin to arm myself, Before I start salvage hunting.

Thanks,
Sonny

[Ovidiu STAN]

Try

http://www.car-part.com

You can get it under $100

I tried to find one from another Subaru. They don't fit 100% but I think it can work.

Personally I spent $30 in parts (O'rings, gasket,bearing) and I rebuilt mine. Of course you can do that as long as the pump doesn't have any internal heavy scratch or extremly used parts.

I don't think it works "as new" but is perfectly acceptable.

Good luck.

[vkykam]

Was there any special tools required in rebuilding the pump?

VK

Originally posted by Ovidiu STAN
Personally I spent $30 in parts (O'rings, gasket,bearing) and I rebuilt mine. Of course you can do that as long as the pump doesn't have any internal heavy scratch or extremly used parts.

I don't think it works "as new" but is perfectly acceptable.

Good luck.

[Ovidiu STAN]

Regular wrenches, pliers and a bench press (for bearing removal/press).

You can start (I assume you have the same model -speed sensitive) by removing the back of the pump (4 bolts) and inspect the parts. It is important that the surfaces are without any scratch.

Take a look at (cut'n paste to your browser):
http://www.subaruparts.com/diag/?mod...category=348-A


Parts 5,6 and 20 they should have smooth surfaces
There are about a ....dozen of small pallets on the 5 weel; these should move slowly, without play in weel 5. Take care that they can fall and there is only one way to put them back (they have a round surface -towards the exterior)

I bought:

8,9,11,12,13,15

I had problems with 11 and I put back the old one. For some reason the new one looked different (maybe I was a victim of a wrong shippment...)


Replace the parts and it should work. Take care when you remove/install 21 and 19. There is a small piston (19). Clean it carefully (it should be extremlly clean; no dust) and install it the same way it was. You can mount it 180 deg (I did ... dam it) and the results are a dead pump.

The whole idea is that everything should be very clean, free of dust or (god forbid) sand to work properly.

Good luck.

[vkykam]

Thx much for the info.

I have the parts sitting around for a half year, just haven't gotten around to doing it...

My power steering's been very weak at low idle since I bought it two years ago. It bothers me, but not enough to get me off my can to do something about it... One of these days, after the meet...

VK

How do you determine if it is "engine speed sensing" (ESP/S) or "electronically controlled" (ECP/S)?

Thanks,
Sonny

[Earthworm]

Originally posted by Sonnyred
How do you determine if it is "engine speed sensing" (ESP/S) or "electronically controlled" (ECP/S)?

Engine speed sensing would be found on L and possibly LS models.

Vehicle speed sensing is found on LS-L/LSi models.

Check the following site for more info:

http://www.cars101.com/subaru_svx.html