# 2008 Subaru Outback power steering pump

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-subaru-outback-power-steering-pump/91425>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [October 13, 2015, 4:07am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-subaru-outback-power-steering-pump/91425 "2015-10-13T04:07:57Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Dr\_O](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/41988e/32.png) [@Dr\_O](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Dr_O)\
**Post date:** [October 13, 2015, 4:07am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-subaru-outback-power-steering-pump/91425/1 "2015-10-13T04:07:57Z")

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I’m about to replace my 2008 Subaru Outback’s power steering pump. Only question is: How do I adjust the belt tension? Looks like the pump is stationary, and I suspect the alternator is the key, since the belt turns that as well. Any ideas before I begin to dissect my car?

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**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\
**Post date:** [October 13, 2015, 6:28am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-subaru-outback-power-steering-pump/91425/2 "2015-10-13T06:28:47Z")

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I’m not a Subaru guy . . .

Are you sure you don’t have an automatic belt tensioner?

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**Author:** ![the\_same\_mountainbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@the\_same\_mountainbike](https://community.cartalk.com/u/the_same_mountainbike)\
**Post date:** [October 13, 2015, 6:53am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-subaru-outback-power-steering-pump/91425/3 "2015-10-13T06:53:38Z")

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IF the belt tension is adjustable, I’ll bet the dealer’s parts guy could tell you how. Don’t even bother talking to the sales guy or the “service associate”… the parts guy will have the knowledge. The other two are… well, let’s just say not generally knowledgeable.