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  #1  
Old 10-16-2010, 10:50 AM
minnesota blue minnesota blue is offline
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Power Steering problem

Can't find the answer in searching the threads.

I have a 94 BLUE LSI SVX. 2 weeks ago while pulling into the garage the power steering failed. Steering light came on. Fluid was an appropriate level. Interesting enough there was a burnt smell inside the car. I thought the pump had gone. Pulled the pump today and replaced the entire unit with OEM part. Started it back up and steering light still on and power steering still not working. I checked the fuses inside the car and under the hood. Can't find any that are blown.

Other problems I need to consider? Do I need to bleed the system?

Thanks
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  #2  
Old 10-16-2010, 11:20 AM
1986nate 1986nate is offline
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Re: Power Steering problem

What model is yours? There are 2 different power steering "systems" that came on these cars with the top of the line models coming with speed sensitive power steering.
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  #3  
Old 10-16-2010, 12:59 PM
minnesota blue minnesota blue is offline
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Re: Power Steering problem

It is the top of the line LSI 4 wd
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  #4  
Old 10-16-2010, 03:12 PM
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Re: Power Steering problem

Quote:
Originally Posted by minnesota blue View Post
Can't find the answer in searching the threads.

I have a 94 BLUE LSI SVX. 2 weeks ago while pulling into the garage the power steering failed. Steering light came on. Fluid was an appropriate level. Interesting enough there was a burnt smell inside the car. I thought the pump had gone. Pulled the pump today and replaced the entire unit with OEM part. Started it back up and steering light still on and power steering still not working. I checked the fuses inside the car and under the hood. Can't find any that are blown.

Other problems I need to consider? Do I need to bleed the system?

Thanks
There is a metal electrical box located behind the inside right rear trim panel that is part of the speed sensitive steering system.

Go there and see if that's the source of your smell. - Ed
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  #5  
Old 10-16-2010, 03:56 PM
minnesota blue minnesota blue is offline
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Re: Power Steering problem

I took off the backseat passenger side trim panel and no electrical box there. Any more suggestions?
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  #6  
Old 10-16-2010, 04:40 PM
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Re: Power Steering problem

Quote:
Originally Posted by minnesota blue View Post
I took off the backseat passenger side trim panel and no electrical box there. Any more suggestions?
I will check and take a picture of it tomorrow for you as i still have the parts car.

All i know is that when i removed it i had no power steering until i put it back.
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  #7  
Old 10-17-2010, 08:05 AM
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Re: Power Steering problem

Quote:
Originally Posted by ZMan View Post
There is a metal electrical box located behind the inside right rear trim panel that is part of the speed sensitive steering system.

Go there and see if that's the source of your smell. - Ed
Totally agree...
its under the drivers kick panel I believe. If I remember correctly its a narrow module with one white plug on it.
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Rebuilt P/S pump info... http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/showthread.php?t=50918

If your car wont start info... http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/show...ighlight=click
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  #8  
Old 10-17-2010, 08:50 AM
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Re: Power Steering problem

Quote:
Originally Posted by minnesota blue View Post
I took off the backseat passenger side trim panel and no electrical box there. Any more suggestions?
Sorry you did not find it there, but mine is a 96 LSI and it is definitely for the power steering, because i just started the car, checked that i had power steering, and while it was running, unplugged the box, lost the power steering, plugged it back in, and got it back.

The box measures 4 x 4 1/2 x 1 1/4 is silver in color and has a white 16 pin connector. A small label on it has the numbers 301-00302 with JKC 5Y02
below it.

Again, this is for a 96 LSI

Why would you change out the pump before actually finding out what the problem is - Especially when you have a burnt smell inside the car?
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  #9  
Old 10-17-2010, 11:24 AM
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ensteele ensteele is offline
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Re: Power Steering problem

Many members have replaced the pump assembly first and then found that it was just the $1 - 0-Ring that needed to be replaced.
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  #10  
Old 10-17-2010, 11:36 AM
minnesota blue minnesota blue is offline
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Re: Power Steering problem

Yep, smell was coming from the front of the car so I thought it was the pump. FIgured 16 years was about time for the pump to go bad. O-Ring is good.

I did find the silver box under the front kick panel. My number on it 301-00301 JKC 4118. Does have a burnt smell to it.

Can't find this listed on Subaru Parts. Anybody know where I can get a replacement?
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  #11  
Old 10-17-2010, 11:37 AM
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Re: Power Steering problem

Quote:
Originally Posted by ensteele View Post
Many members have replaced the pump assembly first and then found that it was just the $1 - 0-Ring that needed to be replaced.
I guess that's called learning the hard way.
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  #12  
Old 10-17-2010, 11:51 AM
minnesota blue minnesota blue is offline
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Re: Power Steering problem

Oh well. One more thing I learned to do on the old beast. I think this box is the steering controller listed on subaru parts?
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  #13  
Old 10-17-2010, 11:59 AM
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Re: Power Steering problem

Quote:
Originally Posted by minnesota blue View Post
Yep, smell was coming from the front of the car so I thought it was the pump. FIgured 16 years was about time for the pump to go bad. O-Ring is good.

I did find the silver box under the front kick panel. My number on it 301-00301 JKC 4118. Does have a burnt smell to it.

Can't find this listed on Subaru Parts. Anybody know where I can get a replacement?
I may have one. I can check today and send you a p.m. if i find it.
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Rebuilt P/S pump info... http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/showthread.php?t=50918

If your car wont start info... http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/show...ighlight=click
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  #14  
Old 11-13-2010, 06:20 AM
minnesota blue minnesota blue is offline
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Re: Power Steering problem

Ok, so it was the power steering controller (little silver box under the dash hooked to the steering wheel). Took almost 3 weeks to get a new one in, but 10 min to hook up and all the problems are gone. Guess I have a new power steering pump now as well.
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  #15  
Old 11-13-2010, 10:10 AM
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Re: Power Steering problem

How much was the power steering controller? It's weight in gold I'd bet.
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