Noob w/ Power Steering Q:

[sowise]

Hello everyone I am new to the whole SVX world and so far it really hasn't gone too well but there is alot of knowledge here and some of the people have really been impressive in other posts so hopefully you all can help me out with my issues as I post them.
First things first:
1992 Subaru SVX LS-L White/Black, auto
Vin jf1cx3530nh109487 (for those who like to track owners and info on these cars)
139,200 miles
I have no idea about previous mods or maintenance.
Let me know if there is more info needed for future postings.

Here is my issue
1.) Power Steering: If I get in the car with the engine running at idle I can barely turn the wheel. If I give it some gas and rev the RPM's then I can steer pretty normal. I don't hear any pump cavitation or anything, and it isn't empty of fluid (does not look to be red like Dexron III like I red in another post somewhere).
Q: Seems pretty cut and dry to me that the pump is bad but I gotta check with all the experts here to make sure. I don't know what symptoms a leak in my rack would cause and I just got the car to my house (long story and lots of $$ towing). So I can't really tell what all is leaking if anything (steering wise that is). So guys any thoughts?

I think I will post my possible head gasket/ coolant issues seperate or this could be a really long posting.
Thanks in advance.

[ensteele]

It should be a very simple fix. You need to replace the O-Ring that is under the holding tank with the yellow cap. You can find the How-To Document here and it will show you what to do. This should fix the problem and you will think you have a new system on the car. Good luck.

[svxfiles]

The power steering hoses are prone to leak as well.
At the pump return line, behind the passenger side head at both the pressure line and return lines.
Good hunting.

[sowise]

Ensteele and SVXfiles you guys are great the o-ring link you sent is outstanding. I truly hope that it is that simple. I am posting about the head gasket so hope you have ideas on that too. Thanks!

[Crazy_pilot]

If there's something other than Dexron III ATF in there you should probably drain and replace it with the proper fluid.

[sowise]

I took another look with a flashlight it was purple so I remember reading something about some kind of purple trans fluid that can replace the Dexron stuff. We have vehicles at my work that use Allison transmissions that have been using DEXRON III but I they stopped buying it in bulk or can't get it anymore so they went to something like TES-295. I wonder if that is an acceptable replacement for DEXRON III but all of that stuff seems like it is for Heavy Duty applications, sorry just rambling but yeh it was purple stuff and I will probably flush it anyhow. Thanks!

[ensteele]

I would use Dexron III - that is what they specify, so that is what I would use. There are some other products like Royal Purple that would be ok as well.

[Crazy_pilot]

The only purple automotive fluid I know is Royal Purple. They have a Dexron III compatible ATF, so that's probably what's in there. The previous owner probably thought it was an upgrade. If this is the case you're probably fine, but ya, a flush woul be good just to be safe.

[sowise]

I ordered the PS oring from the local dealer and finally got it today. When I took the reservoir off today it looks like someone had two old crushed orings on there so I removed them and put the new one on. I struggled to steer right and left after filling it all up but now it is almost worse than before. I am seriously thinking the pump is bad.
I am guessing that the rubber hose that stays connected to the reservoir is the return line I am thinking that the pump just isn't working for the pressure out on the hard metal line. Guess I gotta order a pump now.

[WRX_SVXGirl]

check you axels! i had the same problem and it was cause by a broken axel. i kid you not i just had both my front ones replaced and omg i feel back in love with my car. we also thought it was a ps pump problem.

[Hocrest]

Before you order a pump, check the crank pulley.

Use white out or chalk to make a line like this...


Run the car, after you notice a lack of steering, check to see if the line is still 1 line. If it has separated, then you either need to replace or weld your crank pulley.

[sowise]

I will have to check out both suggestions but I am kind of certain it isn't a broken axle since I have been driving the car with the original suspected bad o-ring for a few days now with not much problem other than a low RPM struggle to steer but I give it a little gas and there is enough steering to feel almost normal. I will look at them though.

However, crank pulley sounds like a pretty good suggestion to verify first since I did make a tid bit of a mess with the dexron III if there is a crank pulley seperation or sliding then lubricating it would perhaps make it worse. So makes some sense to check it out.
Thanks for both suggestions.

[sowise]

BTW where exactly were you looking at the axles? Where was your broken axle at (general area or specific spot?)
Thanks

[WRX_SVXGirl]

not sure where it was broken, never saw it cause it broke while i was driving. i had torn CV boots that lead to it. make sure you check your belts too, just an after thought i had mine blow twice.

[Hocrest]

Sowise,
I just noticed where you are. Are you coming to the Reading meet in April? Morgantown is less than an hour from you..