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#1
10-03-2009, 08:06 PM
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Power steering issue...bad pump?
So I have a couple questions about my power steering. Signs point to the pump going bad. I think I have to replace the pump, but wanted to get some more informed opinions. I have a 1994 LSi with about 105k on it.
First - is it normal for the power steering pump to make a loud whirring / buzzing noise that is clearly audible over the normal sound of the engine running? Because mine does. The fluid is full, there is no froth or leakage, and I am not losing any fluid - yet it buzzes rather loudly. I have no other SVX nearby that I can compare mine with, so I don't know if the noise is normal or not. I've also noticed that, during quick steering maneuvers, the power steering momentarily hits a "hard" spot - as if I have outpaced the hydraulic assist. Is this indicative of a failing pump? Or could something else cause it? Belt is tight, and doesn't seem to be slipping at all. And finally, my car seems to resist when I make sharp left turns (like in a parking lot). Noticeably more effort is needed to make a sharp left than a sharp right. This would point more to the rack failing I think, but is there a chance that it is related? Do the racks commonly go bad in our cars? Thanks all for any advice...
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Ebony/Gray '92 LS-L, @123k - bought 01/17/2010, parked for 10 years. Getting back on the road. 
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#2
10-04-2009, 05:52 AM
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Re: Power steering issue...bad pump?
Can you take off the belt to your power steering pump and spin the pulley by hand. Let us know how it feels.
Mine died a few months ago. It made a lot of noise like you describe for a few days and then puked out a bunch of fluid when it died.
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Matt Locker Link 2015 BRZ Limited 6MT 92 Ebony LS-L ECUtune Stage2av1, Z32 MAF, 370cc injectors, TomsSVX intake, BontragerWorks 22mm RSB #003, HID Hi and Lo beams, OT endlink and bushing mods, PWR Aluminum radiator, Harvey's QC shift kit, 2.5" flowmaster 80 exhaust, 17" Michelin Pilot Sport A/S, Poly sway bar bushings, Slotted Bradi rotors, AFBeefcake powdercoated calipers, 97 grill, and a huge set of air horns. 300,000 miles and counting 92 Ebony LS-L. ecutune stage1v4, motorsport 1pc pulley. Garage Queen - sold to Dad in upstate NY 155,000 miles 19 Subaru Ascent Premium - -Hers !. 89 DL 4x4 little red wagon - a.k.a. The immortal suby. 275k R.I.P.
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#3
10-04-2009, 07:46 AM
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Re: Power steering issue...bad pump?
hi rebuild if you are handy ,the parts are alot cheaper than a pump ,and its easy ,just dont forget the o ring on the resivoir ,the bearing is availible at parts stores ,as for the rack how are the boots ? lift up the front and turn the wheels left and right by hand and see what is binding ,inner rack joints ,ball joints are comman
charlie
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#4
10-04-2009, 10:34 AM
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Re: Power steering issue...bad pump?
Most likely the bearing... Time for a rebuild.Only difficult part is pressing off and on bearing. I did it w huge vice and some sockets. The other gasket and o rings are pretty strait forward. I will post som pix
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92' Claret LSL 282,000 miles 1owner(ME) 07' Pearly WRX 40k Cobb Stage II (sold)  SVX+$$$+GreaseMonkey = 
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#6
10-05-2009, 06:39 PM
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Re: Power steering issue...bad pump?
Thanks all for the replies...sorry I haven't been on in a couple days, been a busy weekend. I had to swap the radiator in the SVX, and change the timing belt (yuck) and troubleshoot a no-start issue on my Prelude. Got all of that done, both cars are running great now, now back to the pump...
I haven't pulled the belt off yet, as I wanted the car running when I changed the radiator out to test it and check for leaks and what not. Ran out of time to inspect the pulley, as it started raining right after I got done with the rad. I may try rebuilding the pump, the job doesn't look too bad. Is there a "rebuild kit" available from Subaru that has all of that stuff in it? Or a list of part numbers floating around that includes all of the rebuild parts? The car is down for now anyways. It was making a nasty clattering noise over bumps, so I inspected the calipers when I was down there...sure enough, the right front caliper slide pin was MISSING, and the one on the other side was backing out  New pin is on order, and the car is off the road till it's in. So, if your car makes nasty noises over bumps, look at your slide pins.  EDIT: Stelth, thanks for the pics...those will be extremely helpful when I do the job.
__________________
Ebony/Gray '92 LS-L, @123k - bought 01/17/2010, parked for 10 years. Getting back on the road.
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#7
10-05-2009, 06:55 PM
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Re: Power steering issue...bad pump?
If you send me your email address, I can send you a How-To with pictures.
__________________
. Earl .... ... .... ><SVX(*> Subaru Ambassador [COLOR=”silver”]1992 Tri Color L[/COLOR] ~45K (06/91) #2430 1992 Dark Teal LS-L ~184K (05/91) #0739 1992 Claret LS-L ~196K (05/91) #0831 1992 Pearl LS-L ~103K (06/91) #1680 1992 Pearl LS-L ~151K (06/91) #2229 1992 Dark Teal LS ~150K (07/91) #3098 (parts car) 1992 White LS-L ~139K (08/92) #6913 1993 25th AE ~98K (02/93) #164 1993 25th AE ~58K (02/93) #176 1993 25th AE ~107K (02/93) #215 1993 25th AE ~162K (02/93) #223 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~124K (1/94) #2408 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~144K (10/93) #1484 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~68K (10/93) #1525 1994 Barcelona Red LSi ~46K (02/94) #2624 1994 Pearl LSi ~41K (12/93) #1961 1995 Bordeaux Pearl LSi ~70K (02/95) #855 1996 Polo Green LSi ~95K (03/96) #872 1997 Bordeaux Pearl LSi ~55K (08/96) #097 2003 Brilliant Red LS1 Convertible ~29K (04/03) #8951 1999 Magnetic Red LS1 Coupe ~33K (04/99) #6420 My Email | Old Locker | New Locker | Picture of 15 of the 19
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#8
10-05-2009, 07:03 PM
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Re: Power steering issue...bad pump?
Quote:
__________________
Ebony/Gray '92 LS-L, @123k - bought 01/17/2010, parked for 10 years. Getting back on the road.
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#9
10-05-2009, 07:19 PM
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Re: Power steering issue...bad pump?
I just realized that I can post the How-To here for anyone who wants it. Let me know if there is anything else we need in it. I can edit if needed.
Oooooops. It is too large. It is 1.9 and the max size that can be attached is 1.0.
__________________
. Earl .... ... .... ><SVX(*> Subaru Ambassador [COLOR=”silver”]1992 Tri Color L[/COLOR] ~45K (06/91) #2430 1992 Dark Teal LS-L ~184K (05/91) #0739 1992 Claret LS-L ~196K (05/91) #0831 1992 Pearl LS-L ~103K (06/91) #1680 1992 Pearl LS-L ~151K (06/91) #2229 1992 Dark Teal LS ~150K (07/91) #3098 (parts car) 1992 White LS-L ~139K (08/92) #6913 1993 25th AE ~98K (02/93) #164 1993 25th AE ~58K (02/93) #176 1993 25th AE ~107K (02/93) #215 1993 25th AE ~162K (02/93) #223 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~124K (1/94) #2408 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~144K (10/93) #1484 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~68K (10/93) #1525 1994 Barcelona Red LSi ~46K (02/94) #2624 1994 Pearl LSi ~41K (12/93) #1961 1995 Bordeaux Pearl LSi ~70K (02/95) #855 1996 Polo Green LSi ~95K (03/96) #872 1997 Bordeaux Pearl LSi ~55K (08/96) #097 2003 Brilliant Red LS1 Convertible ~29K (04/03) #8951 1999 Magnetic Red LS1 Coupe ~33K (04/99) #6420 My Email | Old Locker | New Locker | Picture of 15 of the 19
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