Power steering leak and electrical issue.

louis · #1 09-19-2007, 07:08 PM

I have a couple of problems with my new SVX (I knew about them already) so I was hoping to get some advice. First, there's a small power steering leak. The pump and rack-and-pinion have been replaced, so I'm not sure what it is, probably some kind of gasket or o-ring. The second problem is that there are several electrical problems -- the idiot lights (brake , check engine, check battery, etc etc) all flash and sometimes the driver side seatbelt doesn't engage or disengage corerctly.

Any tips?

also the back wiper doesn't work

louis · #2 09-19-2007, 07:16 PM

I neglected to ask the most pressing question which is WHERE DO I PUT THE POWER STEERING FLUID? I know it has to be refilled every week or so, but where do I put it? Sorry guys.

Louis

Hocrest · #3 09-19-2007, 07:32 PM

Where is the leak? If it is up front near the tank/pump, then it is probably an O-Ring between the two. There is a "how-to" document if you follow the link at the top of the page.

The fluid goes into the top of the tank. This is located along the front of the engine. As you're standing in front of the car, looking under the hood, It will be on your left hand side. There is a tank with a cap and on the front is a pulley with 4 holes in the face. Subaru recomends Dex III ATF (auto tranny fluid)

As for the dash lights all coming on, the problem is your alternator, do a search for "christmas lights", and you'll find this is how a failing alternator shoes up.

louis · #4 09-19-2007, 07:52 PM

What's an alternator cost, and can I swap it myself with limited mechanical ability? How much can I expect to spend for the part, or the part and the cost of installation?

Louis

EDIT: I found an alternator on ebay for about $89.99 and I found a new one for about $150 online, but I'm going to do a few more tests and see if maybe just swapping the battery won't do this.

ensteele · #5 09-19-2007, 10:01 PM

That sounds like a fair price for either the used one, and also for the new one. Yes, you should be able to change it yourself. If you go to the How-To Documents, you can find out how to do it yourself. Good luck.

subru92svx · #6 09-19-2007, 10:31 PM

Sounds like two pretty good prices to me. I paid around $300 for my rebuilt Bosch alternator. Make sure if you bid on the used one on Ebay that its from a good seller with good feedback.

louis · #7 09-19-2007, 10:38 PM

thanks for he advice. I am going to do the easiest change, the battery, first. if that doesn't fix it i'll get a new alternator. as for the power steering fluid leak, i'll read the how-to and see if this is something I can do myself.

louis

YourConfused · #8 09-19-2007, 11:43 PM

allot of parts places (autozone, advanced) do free electral system tests for free. yes free twice because free is good.
Also look at the scam thread before buying off eebay. Know who you are buying from before you get screwed.

budbaer · #9 09-20-2007, 12:21 AM

I'd be willing to bet my dog that it's the alternator, and I love my dog. Don't run out and buy a battery, you could be wasting you money. Listen to YourConfused and take it to AutoZone and get them to test the alternator, it only takes a few minutes and you don't have to remove any parts, they check it right in the parking lot. Also, don't be afraid to change the alternator, I changed mine in 10 minutes, two blots and one plug was all it took.

Hocrest · #10 09-20-2007, 05:33 AM

If you can go without the car for a few days, the best option is to find a good auto electrical shop near you and have your alternator rebuilt. The cost should be $100 - $150 and you'll probably be getting a better rebuild than any of the chain stores.

svxistentialist · #11 09-20-2007, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by louis

thanks for he advice. I am going to do the easiest change, the battery, first. if that doesn't fix it i'll get a new alternator. as for the power steering fluid leak, i'll read the how-to and see if this is something I can do myself.

louis

Like they all said Louis, the most likely culprit here is the alternator, not the battery.

Unless you are absolutely set on buying a new battery, the smart sequence is check out and fix the alternator first. If your battery is OK [it could be!], you have defrayed the cost of the job by the price of the new, non-required battery.

To do the O ring fix, you need a turkey baster or something like it to suck the oil out of the reservoir. If it is brown in colour, not pink, discard it. People mistakenly put power steering fluid [brown] in there. It's supposed to get ATF [pink]

For the most part it works OK, but is not as good as the recommended ATF Dexron 11 at handling high temperature. When you have the new O ring in place, fill up with ATF.

That should be you sorted.

Joe

louis · #12 09-20-2007, 01:41 PM

i'll definitely get the alternator checked out within the next couple of days. the o-ring seems a lot more important, for some reason. what do you think the cause of the back windshield wiper not working could be? also the alternator - or is it probably its own separate motor?

svxistentialist · #13 09-20-2007, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by louis

i'll definitely get the alternator checked out within the next couple of days. the o-ring seems a lot more important, for some reason. what do you think the cause of the back windshield wiper not working could be? also the alternator - or is it probably its own separate motor?

Alternators just wear out Louis. They are doing an awful lot of work in the system from the second you turn the key. Chances are a bearing collapsed.

The o-ring is an easy job. If you leave it leaking, it does make a mess of things OK, and can let air into the pump, so keep it topped up till you fix it.

Rear wiper could be a number of things; first check the fuse, make sure that's not blown.
Assuming the fuse is all right, next take off the rear wiper arm. Switch on the wiper at the rear, check if the spigot is turning, or making an attempt to turn. If it is not trying to move, suspect the motor.
Look underneath the back window ledge in the trunk at the motor, make sure the wires are plugged into it. If the wires are plugged in and it's not making an effort, you probably need a new motor

Joe

Trevor · #14 09-21-2007, 12:00 AM

Louis,

Indications are that in some way doubt that the problem involves the alternator.

The symptoms you describe indicate an alternator fault which has been reported here many times.

The dash indicator lights test circuit, incorporates blocking diodes to eliminate a sneak circuit which would otherwise exist. In an event involving faults within the alternator rectifier network, alternating current is induced on line. The result is pulses of reverse voltage, which pass the blocking diodes in the test circuit and energise the indicator lights.

You suggest a check by Autozone. Another member proved that such a check is not absolutely reliable and you should keep this in mind. They will check the DC output which may prove acceptable, but their test will not disclose an AC component. A mechanical fault such as bearings, will not be cause what you have described.

kwren · #15 09-21-2007, 01:07 AM

Rear wiper could be a number of things; first check the fuse, make sure that's not blown.
Assuming the fuse is all right, next take off the rear wiper arm. Switch on the wiper at the rear, check if the spigot is turning, or making an attempt to turn. If it is not trying to move, suspect the motor.
Look underneath the back window ledge in the trunk at the motor, make sure the wires are plugged into it. If the wires are plugged in and it's not making an effort, you probably need a new motor

Since you are new to svx, rear wiper could be as simple as not knowing how to turn it on?
good luck!
(replace your alternator)

Joe[/QUOTE]