Power steering

Asked by grandmummy Jan 21, 2014 at 02:12 PM about the 2003 Subaru Forester XS

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

When I start my 2003 Subaru Forester, I hear a whirring sound and my steering wheel is
very hard to turn.  When I finally straighten out my steering wheel and begin to drive, the
sound stops and the steering becomes easier.  Does the power steering mechanism need
to be replaced?

3 Answers
44,975

tuff4x4 answered 10 years ago

It sounds like it is low on fluid. It could be the power steering pump or the rack & pinion leaking or going out.

6 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful
6,985

Jeff answered 10 years ago

Cold weather can make it harder on the pump too, I'd advise changing the fluid first.

2 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful
850

AWDiesel answered 10 years ago

Or the belt is slipping on the power steering pump pulley.

3 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

  • Power steering 1 Answer

    I need to replace power steering pump for my forester 2011 I found one brand new my friend brought for his Impreza 2009 base. I need to know that will fit on forester 2011?

    2011 Subaru Forester 2.5X Convenience

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Power steering 3 Answers

    When I start my 2003 Subaru Forester, I hear a whirring sound and my steering wheel is very hard to turn. When I finally straighten out my steering wheel and begin to drive, the sound stops and the...

    2003 Subaru Forester XS

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • What is the cause of my power steering loss? 2 Answers

    My power steering light is on and I have no power steering. Serpentine belt replaced, fluids ok Alternator and battery replaced in Oct 2020. It is cold at -30 C. Could that be the cause?

    2014 Subaru Forester 2.0XT Limited

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Why is power steering not working? 14 Answers

    It is sub zero and the power steering stopped working.. A light came on with an exclamation point...what do we do?

    2014 Subaru Forester

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 2006 Subaru Forester power steering not working 3 Answers

    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 batte...

    2006 Subaru Forester

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

Forester

Looking for a Used Forester in your area?

CarGurus has 1,056 nationwide Forester listings starting at $2,695.

Postal Code:

Shortcuts

Search Subaru Forester Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Chris W
    Reputation
    11,630
  • #2
    TheSubaruGuruBoston
    Reputation
    9,970
  • #3
    Nick Eidemiller
    Reputation
    6,220
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Subaru Outback
28 Great Deals out of 871 listings starting at $1,895
Used Toyota RAV4
100 Great Deals out of 2,089 listings starting at $3,888
Used Honda CR-V
99 Great Deals out of 3,843 listings starting at $1,795
Used Subaru Impreza
28 Great Deals out of 473 listings starting at $3,850
Used Toyota 4Runner
12 Great Deals out of 309 listings starting at $9,700
Used Subaru Legacy
6 Great Deals out of 172 listings starting at $4,977
Used Toyota Highlander
32 Great Deals out of 737 listings starting at $2,495
Used Toyota Tacoma
57 Great Deals out of 1,080 listings starting at $8,708
Used Honda Pilot
45 Great Deals out of 1,256 listings starting at $4,495
Used Toyota Camry
48 Great Deals out of 979 listings starting at $2,212

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.