2004 Subaru WRX Repair Question
2004 Subaru WRX Squealing noise on cold start and max steer
2004 Subaru WRX 4 cyl All Wheel Drive Manual 67000 miles
On recent cold mornings, before the car is warm, there's a bad squealing noise coming from the engine area when the steering wheel is turned all the way to the side. The steering wheel pulses and jerks in my hands until I let it spin back towards the center. After the car warms up, the problem goes away. Here's a video of what the noise sounds like:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVKDKlE1wec
Asked by jeremymiloAnswer
Does it do that with the wheel in either direction?(Left or right). May be apump issue or even a rcak and pinion.Will it make the noise if the wheel is straight when started cold or does it have to be in a turn? Start by inspecting the belt condition and tension.May just be slipping until the rubber gets warm a little and can grip the pulleys
I inspected the power steering / alternator belt, and I didn't see any visible damage or signs of wear. It felt a little loose so I tightened it a bit.
The noise I reported has stopped, which is nice. Any warning signs that I should watch out for at this point?
Loss of power assist in either direction (Left or right turns) is usually an indication of a rack and pinion going bad, but if it is all good, then the loose belt was probably the problem. When you go full turn, the pump goes to max pressure, that is when it drags the most and a loose belt will make noise