05 lgt power steering issue

05 LGT, 135,000 miles. Squeal/shudder when cranking wheel hard at stop/low speed. It doesn't do it in park, but does when in drive/reverse and the rpm's drop. It has both new accessory belts from when I did timing belt few months ago, tension can turn it 90 degrees. Fluid level is fine, and I just did that top PS o-ring last year. It sure seems I've replaced most of the potential issues without doing pump or rack itself.

Maybe the o-ring on the ps cap is old and letting a little air in the system? I had to replace my cap last year, you can't get the cap o-ring by itself unfortunately.

Some questions from first time owner (Manual 4th Gen Spec B, 127,000km):

 

1 - Is any old ATF fluid fine to put in the power steering reservoir? Is this fine: amzn.to/1VKQnAO ? It says it is for Automatic Transmission, and my car is Manual, so not sure.

 

2 - Is it fine to mix power steering fluid? ie I just add fluid to the existing fluid tank, or is that a bad idea and it's better to flush?

 

Thanks

I didn't see a part number for the fluid in your link, so I can't say for sure if that's ok to use or not. I attached a picture from a subaru bulletin, and a picture from the 2005/2009 legacy factory service manuals, which all list what fluids are ok to use. I think it would be fine to top off with any compatible fluid. I flushed my ps fluid last year, and it wasn't too hard. The steering feels so much better after a flush, too. Here's a thread on flushing the fluid.

 

By the way, 4L is a lot of fluid. I would only buy that much if you are flushing.

 

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/howto-replace-power-steering-fluid-15-minutes-172976.html

the 2005/2009 legacy factory service manuals

 

Thanks, apexi, very useful. Where can I get the entire manual?

Thanks! Im glad that i came across this.

 

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Same issue. Turning at a low rpm like backing up, the car will want to die and steering practically feels manual with a high pitch squeel. Trying a flush this weekend. I've done oring, fluid change, level is fine. Fluid is fine. So maybe a complete flush is next.

 

 

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I have been using Valvoline ATF with stop leak for years in my PS system.

Maybe the o-ring on the ps cap is old and letting a little air in the system? I had to replace my cap last year, you can't get the cap o-ring by itself unfortunately.

 

Hadn't thought of that, I'll have to take a look. That's annoying about o-ring, I had same issue with the MAF o-ring, I had to go hunting for one and it's not the correct size but mainly works. Ridiculous spend $60+ for a $2 o-ring

 

Same issue. Turning at a low rpm like backing up, the car will want to die and steering practically feels manual with a high pitch squeel. Trying a flush this weekend. I've done oring, fluid change, level is fine. Fluid is fine. So maybe a complete flush is next.

 

 

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It's not consistent which makes it frustrating, and it's maddening that first time I had issue was after turbo oil drain leak, tore a lot apart but not touched steering and had issues upon reassembly (squishy steering) then got that back to normal. Now I do the timing belt, again don't touch steering other than replacing the belt and having issues again