2004 Subaru WRX Squealing noise on cold start and max steer

JEREMYMILO

MEMBER
2004 SUBARU WRX
4 CYL
AWD
MANUAL
67,000 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

3 Replies

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

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

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Saturday, January 30th, 2010 AT 8:12 AM

JEREMYMILO

MEMBER
2 POSTS

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?

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Saturday, January 30th, 2010 AT 11:03 AM

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

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

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Saturday, January 30th, 2010 AT 3:29 PM