Power steering

Asked by grandmummy Jan 21, 2014 at 02:12 PM about the 2003 Subaru Forester XS

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

When I start my 2003 Subaru Forester, I hear a whirring sound and my steering wheel is
very hard to turn.  When I finally straighten out my steering wheel and begin to drive, the
sound stops and the steering becomes easier.  Does the power steering mechanism need
to be replaced?

3 Answers
44,655

tuff4x4 answered 10 years ago

It sounds like it is low on fluid. It could be the power steering pump or the rack & pinion leaking or going out.

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6,945

Jeff answered 10 years ago

Cold weather can make it harder on the pump too, I'd advise changing the fluid first.

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850

AWDiesel answered 10 years ago

Or the belt is slipping on the power steering pump pulley.

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