Here's an update on my previous problem. Finally got it over to the dealership the other day, and we found out what the problem is. The power steering fluid is leaking out, and it's because the rubber seals have cracked on the assembly. The dealer is suggesting that I totally replace the entire steering rack assembly. He is saying that there is no fix for just the seals alone, the whole rack has to be replaced!
Is this true, or is he just blowing smoke up my ...? Replacing the steering rack will cost $1100 including labour, he says.
I was thinking of just topping up the power steering fluid as a temporary fix.
Sounds like bullshit to me! It's simply easier and more profitable for the dealer to replace the whole assembly. Oil seals are designed to be replacable. The only seals on the rack are a) on the pinion shaft; and b) on the ends of the rack.
Rack reconditioners do this repair all the time. Try another dealer or a Subaru specialist eg one who works on WRX performance mods. I'll bet they won't want to replace the whole rack.
So I took your advice, got a second opinion from Canadian Tire, and they confirmed what the dealer said. They're saying that the fluid is leaking out and getting contaminated, and that simply fixing the boots isn't enough. I don't know any rack reconditioners or Subaru performance specialists in this town.
You could buy the entire rack assembly new from the dealer for $676.66, (less online) but not just a rebuild kit with new seals.
Check out
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for steering racks in your area. They don't list Subaru Outback Wagon as one of their models, but looking under
2000 Subaru Impreza yielded many possibilities, all under $150.
You should be able to find a 'remanufatured' one for $250.
Ya know what they do? They take the thing apart, replace any worn rods or other pieces, and...replace the seals...
I didn't catch what year or model, but at AutoZone they list a reman'd rack and pinion for $344.99, or $229.99 + $115 core charge for a 2000 Legacy Outback.
I found your original post. Yup! 2000 Legacy Outback...
Most shops will simply replace the rack. The dealer's rack maybe new but an independent Subaru shop would most likely install a remanufactured one for half the price. Or go used for even less.
Here's yet another update to this problem, and it's a weird one too.
While I was having this steering problem, I was also having a totally separate problem with the car regarding a cracked exhaust pipe. The crack occurred in the central pipe that goes between the catalyst and the muffler. This entire pipe and muffler had been replaced back in June so it was brand new, and it obviously must've been installed too loosely since it cracked so soon afterwards. I got the pipe replaced under warranty, and as soon that problem was fixed, somehow the shuddering in the steering also stopped! It seems like the exhaust pipe was shuddering in sympathy to the steering rack or something!
Actually I don't think it was shuddering in sympathy to the steering wheel movement so much as it may been shuddering to the engine RPMs. Since I noticed the shuddering only during low speed parking maneuvers, I think the additional load that the power steering pump generates on the engine at that low speed may have caused a vibration on the loose exhaust pipe, through the exhaust gas resonance. Another thing I noticed while the exhaust pipe was cracked was that I just had a general loss of power in the engine, which was also fixed up after the pipe was replaced.
Short summary, looks like the steering rack is not as bad as I thought, though obviously it's still not healthy. I can now replace the rack in a little more convenient time.
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