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Recently the steering on my '98 subaru impreza started binding at the 2:00 and 8:00 positions. I have to fight the wheel to get it around and it won't return to center easily either.

I suspected the power steering pump at first, but topping off the fluid (it was only slightly low) did nothing to help. The power steering makes no unusual sounds and the belt definitely isn't slipping.

I think I could do a power steering pump replacement myself, but if it's the steering rack, that's a whole different ball game. What do you think?

Thanks in advance! Jim

Optional Information:
1998 Subaru Impreza 2.2L

Already Tried:
Topped off fluid, attempted to bleed air by steering lock to lock 4x w/engine off and on, and replaced about a quart with new fluid (suctioned out with a syringe)

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $10

Hello JIm, since this only happens at two very distinct positions I would suspect a bad rack and pinion. Do you feel this every time you hit these two positions?

Reply to BOBBY's Post: Yeah, at first I thought it was intermittent but on further investigation, I discovered it was at those two distinct positions, every time, in either direction. It's getting worse with each trip, too.

Okay, then there are two possible problems. The most likely is the rack and pinion going bad. The second is the possibility of something in the supension binding. The way to eliminate the suspension would be to unhook the tie rod ends(where the rack connects to the knuckles). After they are unhooked try turning you steering wheel and see if there is any binding after that. Is this something you want to try and do yourself? If so let me know.

Reply to BOBBY's Post: I'd be game to try and diagnose it myself, although both problems sound like they might be out of the range of a DIY repair for me.

I have a chilton's manual, a jack and two jack stands and an array of tools. I was ready to change the power steering pump myself. How tough is unhooking the tie rod ends?

It isn't too hard. You just need to get the front of the vehicle up in the air and remove the tires. The there is only a nut holding each tie rod end on.

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