# Power Steering going?

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/power-steering-going/38806>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** outback, subaru\
**Created:** [October 30, 2009, 3:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/power-steering-going/38806 "2009-10-30T15:10:47Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![rspencer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ee7513/32.png) [@rspencer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rspencer)\
**Post date:** [October 30, 2009, 3:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/power-steering-going/38806/1 "2009-10-30T15:10:47Z")

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I have a 99 Subaru Outback. The power-steering started to get stiff and the lights/radio etc started to dim and not work. My husband put in a new alternator belt and it fixed it — except the power steering. there is no squealing or noise or smells, just with turns at low speeds the power steering doesn’t work but will kick in randomly. Makes for a jerky ride! The fluid wasn’t low so I’m wondering if: the pump is going, the belt needs to be tightened, or it’s a hose issue. Can anyone help me?

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**Author:** ![Docnick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecae2f/32.png) [@Docnick](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Docnick)\
**Post date:** [October 30, 2009, 3:15pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/power-steering-going/38806/2 "2009-10-30T15:15:54Z")

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It could be the pump or the rack, the mechanism that actually moves the wheels. You need a good mechanic to check this out as to what the actual problem is. Repairs can be expensive, especially if you mis-diagnose the problem.