broom_dude

iTrader: (10)

I have a very serious steering problem. (see youtube link below)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZNJ...ature=youtu.be

It all started when i was trying to diagnose some possible power steering problem. My steering wheel are car vibrates whenever i take left turns. After reading multiple forum threads, I decided to try to replace the oring that everybody talks about. During my attempt to replace the oring, I think I accidentally let a lot of air into the power steering pump, so I keep trying to bleed the system without any improvements and it started doing what the youtube video shows. I thought I must have killed the power steering pump, as my car is 100k miles already, It is not surprising to me that the pump may have failed.

Fast forward a few days, I finally got my new power steering pump for $500 and put it in. It still does the exact some thing! Now I am still without a car. Anybody know what's going on with my car? Any help is appreciated.

I recently moved to Gilroy, anybody can recommend a good repair shop here? I can't drive to too far (if at all).

bkblitzed

iTrader: (5)

Dont really know, but holy ****! lol never seen that before

broom_dude

iTrader: (10)

It scares the hell out of me too.

Now I took the ps belt off and I think I can at most drive it to a near by shop. Have to wait till Monday tho.

oshrizak

iTrader: (5)

Have you looked for bubbles in the power steering tank? Also have you tried replacing the clamps, they could be letting air inside.

mooshoo

Holy hell buddy. Id inspect all your ps lines, and double check your steering linkage, perhaps a bushing is wonky. This looks like something that only a pro can fix!

broom_dude

iTrader: (10)

I started off with replacing the oring and the clamps, as that was my original intention before I put in the new power steering pump. However, I think I made it worse initially because I didn't install the oring correctly or have the wrong sized oring and got a lot of air in the system.

After I put in the correct oring, I spent a lot of time slowly turning the steering wheel lock to lock and I got to a point where I don't see anymore bubbles or lowing of fluid in the reservoir so I was confident that I got the air out. However, that oscillation would still happen and it is so violent that I am thinking it's more than air in the system. That was when I decided to replace the pump, and that did not help a bit.

broom_dude

iTrader: (10)

I did inspect my ps lines, I didn't see any problems with them, and I also don't see any air in the reservoir when I was turning the wheel back and forth.

My car was up on jack stands with my front wheels off the ground for the whole time. Can the steering linkage and bushing still cause those violent oscillations?

At this point, as you said, it's more than what I have the knowledge and time for, so I am just going to bring it to a local shop to seek professional help. The only problem is that I can only drive for a short distance and I am no where near a Subaru dealer or Subaru specialist shop, so the place that I am going to is not Subaru specific. I am hoping at least I can give them some suggestions and hoping that they can diagnose and fix my problem.

oshrizak

iTrader: (5)

There are 2 clips or more that are not viewable neccesarily. Have you replaced those as well? Not sure what can be causing such a violent vibration

bkblitzed

iTrader: (5)

idk any shops in gilroy, but speedelement is in sj near the airport

oshrizak

iTrader: (5)

Probably shouldn't drive it there either... Might want to have it towed. That seems pretty risky driving.

broom_dude

iTrader: (10)

I replaced a total of 4. Two on the inlet line of the pump and two on the return line to the reservoir. Did I miss any?

broom_dude

iTrader: (10)

I normally use speedelement for work that I can't do myself, like engine compression test, mounting tires...etc.

I wish I could go there, but with the car like this and with me taking off the ps/alt belt in order to drive it, I think it's a bit too dangerous to drive that far away, so I am going to be stuck with going to one of my local general shop for now.

broom_dude

iTrader: (10)

I definitely couldn't drive it with that vibration, so I took the ps pump belt off. With the belt off, I don't get that vibration. However, it is kind of hard to maneuver without power steering, so I will just drive very slowly to a local shop a few minutes away. Worst case is, I limp there with my emergency lights on. I will just have to break a sweat turning the steering wheel. At least I can go slow and pull over right away if anything else is wrong.

matthepcat

iTrader: (5)

Get a buddy with a truck to help you out. Rent a flat bed and tow it to a Subaru shop like Garage One in south San Jose.

broom_dude

iTrader: (10)

UPDATE:

Since this is clearly way beyound what I have knowledge and time for, I drove it to a local shop without the power steering pump/Alternator belt without too much issue. A few hours later, the shop called and told me it's going to be $2500.

They said they found A LOT of metal shavings in my whole system in the power steering fluid. They will put in another new pump and replace the steering gearbox. At this point, I have no other choice but just have to have them do it. God I hope that fixes the dreaded vibration during turning and that monster vibration. I will keep you guys posted




I would like to thank a local i-club forum memeber who pmed me, offering me free towing service. That means a lot to me and is the only one thing that made me feel much better in this very difficult (and expensive) situation. BAIC, you made my day!