Jerky Steering.. .

[James Scott]

My power steering was getting grabby (starting to lock-up or freeze) when I would turn (especially when cold, but even after warm) .. . especially into a parking space (low engine {PS pump} RPM). I replaced the PS pump with a reman.. . and basically now have the same symptoms.. YIKES! [The steering wheel goes from smooth to very tight (oscillates between functioning and not turning!) and creates a possible crash (esp in parking lots) scenario because of the undependable function!

Does this mean it must be the Rack & Pinion unit ($645 from SubaruParts.com).. . Or could it be something else??? Is the Rack & Pinion often rebuilt by the mechanic?.. . Should I buy an (Autozone, Pep Boys) reman unit for $300 to $390? Can I do this myself "easily"?.. . Or is this one of those high-tech items I should leave to some good ($$$) tech?

Maybe this has something to do with the undiagnosed noise (previous thread) when I accelerate from a stop with the steering wheel turned (Creeking noise??). It was partly the Driveshaft hitting the sheet metal driveshaft cover (to keep exhaust heat away), but after that cover was removed (still is), it still makes a smaller creeking noise!

Please give any advice ???.. . THANKS !!!

I was gonna limit the advice to "cheap/easy fixes" because I'm getting tired of replacing the wrong parts.. . and especially the EXPENSIVE ONES (like the R & P).. . Ha! BUT.. I can't drive it much longer this way. It will curb my SVX. SO far, BTW, it has functioned well driving straight or mild turns. Just went on a trip (thot it was fixed!) 3 hours each way with the family (~ 300+ miles).

HELP???

P.S. Why are there 2 reman R & P's at the auto stores? They say, one has a solenoid (?). My SVX is an L, so does that mean it uses NO SOLENOID? {When working under my engine a while back, I noticed an unused female electrical plug (I believe it is on the driver-side and may be where the Oxygen Sensor plugs next to it (same wire harness). Someone said that might be for the R & P "wire" ??? How do I tell if I need a solenoid version?.. . and will it work OK without? [I think I don't have a solenoid R & P now.]}