In autox my power steering would go stiff and I could barely turn. My ps doesn't make noise so I'm guessing my fluid might need a change? Or could it be the ps cooler or oring? Anyone else get this problem? 04 STi

 

Very common problem, there's a thread on nasioc, check your reservior for air bubbles, if its foamy this is probably the issue; Subaru used spring clamps which lose clamping power over time and allow air to enter the system, which the subaru ps pump doesn't tolerate well.

When I originally had the problem, it angered me to find out there's like 7 damn clamps you need to replace with t-bolt (best) or worm drive clamps.

If that doesn't fix it, there's an o-ring on the return line might be the culprit.

 

I. Checked and there was no foam, and it seems like it would only do it near the end of the run, so I'm guessing the fluid is getting too hot.

 

I'd flush the fluid out. Go from there.

The pumps can go pretty easily if you run at or near lock consistently over a short period of time. I blew one doing donuts in the snow.

So change the fluid. Make sure it's nice and clear and bubble free. See if the issue stays. If it does, your pump might be borked.


Side note... you missed out dude. Hammy was off the hook.

 

should i use the oem fluid? Or just get like motul or redline

 

I think the OEM fluid is just ATF.

I hear the castrol stuff is pretty good. I'd call up one of the shops and ask what they recommend. I had a nice conversation with Gary from Mann about fluids yesterday so you could start there or LIC. LIC is the maintenance king.

FW and GST are both great options as well.

 

You're boiling the fluid, it's a common thing.

Swap out the PS Fluid for Redline and install a small (@1" x 6") cooler behind the front grill.

 

what would the redline fluid be? Just tranny fluid?

 

They make a specific PS fluid

 

Red Line Power Steering Fluid satisfies the service fill requirements of most auto manufacturers and can be used where the manufacturer calls for any automatic transmission fluid such as DexronŽ, Dexron II-DŽ, II-EŽ, or Dexron IIIŽ, Ford Type-F, Mercon, or M2C138-CJ such as required by Ford, AMC, Toyota, Nissan, Lexus, Infiniti, Jaguar, VW, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, SAAB, Subaru, Volvo, Porsche, Mitsubishi, Mazda, and many others.