2009 Outback power steering

[Westmoor6363!]

Our 2009 4cyl Outback steering is weak and jerky on cold (45degree) mornings. The steering is normal after driving 2 or 3 minutes. The fluid is topped off, tires are at 35lbs, and the belt is new. I do not see leaks. There are 70K miles on the car.

Any ideas or direction for repair would be appreciated.

Thank you,
Ken

 

[bmart]

Did you inspect anything at all??? How about the power steering belt?

 

[Westmoor6363!]

Did you inspect anything at all??? How about the power steering belt?

bmart, No idea who Hottontot 175 is. Evidently all of my post did not appear. I will contact administrator.
My tires are at 35#, belts are new and not loose, fluid is at full level and not aerated, no noticeable leaks. The steering is jerky and I hear belt squeal upon morning startup for a few minutes. Steering seems normal after driving awhile. Car has 70K miles.
(e-mail address removed)

 

[manicmechanic007]

Most likely the seals inside the power steering rack
Especially if the assist comes back once the vehicle is at operating temp
The seals on the control valve are most likely square Teflon rings
When those seals wear into the aluminum housing, you lose assist
After the fluid and housing warms up, sometimes the assist will come back
In a few months the assist will not come back if that is the reason
Nothing a new or reman rack won't fix

 

[Westmoor6363!]

Most likely the seals inside the power steering rack
Especially if the assist comes back once the vehicle is at operating temp
The seals on the control valve are most likely square Teflon rings
When those seals wear into the aluminum housing, you lose assist
After the fluid and housing warms up, sometimes the assist will come back
In a few months the assist will not come back if that is the reason
Nothing a new or reman rack won't fix

manicmechanic00
Thank you for the very useful help. Much appreciated.
Ken

 

[DragonWagon]

bmart, No idea who Hottontot 175 is. Evidently all of my post did not appear. I will contact administrator.
My tires are at 35#, belts are new and not loose, fluid is at full level and not aerated, no noticeable leaks. The steering is jerky and I hear belt squeal upon morning startup for a few minutes. Steering seems normal after driving awhile. Car has 70K miles.
(e-mail address removed)

if the belt is squealing upon startup that sounds more like the ps pump itself seizing up. or in my experience much more likely your alternator is seizing and causing the belt to not drive the ps pump properly until it warms up and breaks free. for some reason every one of the 5 subarus ive had has needed at least 1 alternator in their lives lol

 

[DragonWagon]

if the belt is squealing upon startup that sounds more like the ps pump itself seizing up. or in my experience much more likely your alternator is seizing and causing the belt to not drive the ps pump properly until it warms up and breaks free. for some reason every one of the 5 subarus ive had has needed at least 1 alternator in their lives lol

or if the belt is new it wasnt tensioned enough and is slipping until it gets hot enough to grab. that would do it too and is dead easy to check

 

[Westmoor6363!]

DragonWagon,
I will check and make sure the new belt is not loose.
Thank you,
Ken

 

[Westmoor6363!]

DragonWagon,
I will make sure the new belt has not loosened.
Thank you for your interest,
Ken