Hi, I have a 2006 subaru outback. A couple of months ago I noticed that the car would screech loudly when I would turn the steering wheel but only when I was parked and at very very low speeds (ie. >5mph). When I drive there is no screeching at all. The screeching gets worse when I turn the steering wheel all the way left or right. It also seems to be aggravated even more when it’s colder.
I read a while back that this could be indicative of low power steering fluid so I checked that and when I looked it seemed like it had enough. The PS reservoir has a level to check when the engine is warm and one to check when it is warm and the fluid level seems to be sitting at the right level both times I checked it (once when the engine was warm and once when it was cold).
I’ve also read that it could be a problem with the power steering pump or the serpentine belts or that there may be a leak somewhere. How can I troubleshoot this and what would be the logical place to start?
Also, to give a bit of background, at the end of the fall I gave the car a 100K mile service where part of it was to change out the timing belt, water pump and the serpentine belts (there was 2 of them). I can’t say for sure that I started hearing the screeching right after that service but I think it may have been around that time. It really has been gradually getting louder and louder.
I’d appreciate any suggestions.
Thanks.