2006 Subaru Forester power steering not working

Asked by Dana Dec 31, 2019 at 01:47 PM about the 2006 Subaru Forester

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Started my 2006 forester yesterday and power
steering was not working, plus battery light
was on and e-brake light would not turn off
(even tho e-brake did release) I replaced the 5
year old battery and power steering still not
working. Battery light still turns on and weird
noise comes from engine when it’s running.
Plus, brakes are very noisy all of a sudden.
Any ideas? I’m taking it in for an inspection in
a couple days but the more clues the better.
Don’t want to get ripped off.

3 Answers

48,660

It's ok...it's 2020 now, so try again. If still problematic, check to see if your ps belt actually snapped! If not, check reservoir fluid level. If low or foamed up try filling it and cycling the steering wheel back and forth fully. If no go, look at top of ps pump; if wet, you have air cavitation into its small top o- ring, which is a very quick and cheap repair. The battery light indicates perhaps a failed alternator. If the new battery won't hold a charge, and the system measures 12v instead of 13.8-14.6v or so when idling then your alt is crap. They're fairly cheap too. Brakes are noisy from sitting awhile? Use 'em a bit and see if they polish up to quietness. If not tour rotors are rusted and need replacement. Try to wait until the salt's off the road if possible. Diagnosis here may not be too tricky all around, but prices vary hugely for repairs. If I had to service the ps pump and belt (1 hr), the alt (1 hr), and let's say one axle's full brakes (1hr), I'd charge a total of about $650...and maybe toss in an air filter and look at the old platinum plugs, too, as they're fragile and should be replaced with the new iridium ones. Check your ignition wires, too, and when't the last time you drained and refilled the 4EAT trans? That's important to keep clean as your Subie ages out. Good luck. Ern TSG/B

Is the serpentine belt slipping or broken?

2 people found this helpful.

Since then I figured out the serpentine belt was completely shredded inside the car and the alternator belt had slipped off. In the process of fixing those things I realized the harmonic balancer was falling off so I just ordered a new one. Hopefully this will fix the problem

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