Steering feels stiffer than normal on my 2015 Subaru Forester

[mchongoma]

Hello everyone,
I own a 2015 Subaru Forester (FA20 engine, CVT, with EPS). Recently, I’ve noticed that my steering feels slightly stiffer than normal. It’s not like I can’t turn, but I need to put in more effort than before.
Here are the details:

• Car was imported from Japan at 127K km, now around 130K km.
• Wheel alignment done, suspension is good, no tire damage, and tire pressure is correct.
• Voltage is 14.2V, so charging system seems fine.
• Steering stiffness is more noticeable when the fuel tank is full and sometimes when driving on smooth roads.
• On rough/uneven roads at low speed (no acceleration), steering actually feels lighter.
• I already cleaned the air filter, changed spark plugs, and reset the EPS calibration.
• No warning lights on the dash.
• CVTF fluid has not yet been changed (planning to).

Questions:

1. Could this be due to old CVTF fluid, or is it more likely steering column U-joints or EPS torque sensor issues?
2. Has anyone experienced similar stiffness that changes depending on fuel load or road type?
3. Would changing the intermediate steering shaft / U-joints solve this before I consider replacing the EPS rack?

Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

[Subalee]

I share your concern. We have a 2014 Outback with same engine. (58k miles). I hadn't driven it in a while (primarily wife's car). I thought the steering was very stiff, especially at slow speed. Trusted mechanic found output pressure of PS pump a bit low so replaced it with a new one. Tested well. I replaced PS fluid twice, drive belt and both idler pulleys. Near new tires. Still stiff. Had a second shop that specializes on front ends and suspensions evaluate. OMG, horror, How did I even make it to the shop? Need entire rack/pinion system changed-$$$. Uh, no! We live in snow country... will be swapping in snow tires soon and will see how it performs on upcoming road trip.