02' WRX - strange steering problem

[Black WRX]

Just noticed this morning a strange steering wheel behaviour on my '02
WRX. Don't know if this has to do with the weather conditions (7 days of
constant rain so far) as I drive car on daily basis. I started car and
began to turn wheel to get out of the parking space. Wheel started to
shudder as I turned further and when lock position was reached a hissing
noise came from the hood (sounds like a belt noise). When wheel was just
slightly released, hissing noise would stop but shudder was still
present. This happened to both directions. During the actual drive
nothing was noticed. Seems like it occurs only close and within the lock
position. At the destination, I tried this again and it didn't reoccur.
Any clues what could that be? Never noticed something similar before.

Thanks...

 

[peter]

Do you have enough power steering fluid?

 

[Black WRX]

Do you have enough power steering fluid?

Yes, I already checked that. No leakage noticed. I'll have to wait till
tomorrow to hit the service.

 

[S]

Hi BlackWRX!

Just noticed this morning a strange steering wheel behaviour on my '02

Check your belt/belt tension; possible that the abundant moisture is
causing slippage. If this _were_ the problem, it would tend to get
better as the engine compartment/belt warmed to operating temperature.

ByeBye! S.

Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101

 

[Black WRX]

Hi Steve,

You were perfectly right about the problem. Today I got drive belts
replaced and this problem is gone.....thanks for advice...