Thanks from Kennewick! A few years back I had the local Subaru dealer replace the alternator on our 2001 Outback. When we arrived to pick up the car, they mentioned we’d need a new power steering pump because it had begun making a terrible noise. I couldn’t afford it, drove the car home, loosened the belt a bit and I suppose inadvertently fixed the problem, because it went away. I then figured the dealer was being dishonest in trying to sell me a $450 plus pump install and said I’d never go there again.

Today I replaced the AC compressor belt and had this issue reappear, and your advice helped a lot! Wow, what a touchy system. I replaced the spring clamp (seen in your 2nd photo) with a screw clamp on the power steering pump intake and the system flushed itself in about five seconds after I restarted the engine (no fluid change necessary; nice). Next time I take the car by the dealer I’ll let them know about this and apologize for mistrusting them.

Thank you,
Jeremy

I have a 2001 Subaru Legacy Outback wagon and I seem to be having a combination of issues posted here going on.

I live in Minnesota, so it’s quite cold in the mornings here. When I start the car after it’s sat for a period of time (usually 6 to 12 hours overnight), it makes a high pitched squeal. That noise gets worse if I turn the wheel. It will go away immediately if I rev the engine and if I let it warm up for about 10 minutes, it doesn’t seem to make any noise.

Once I get it to speed on the highway, no issues whatsoever. Just happens when it’s sat for a while. I checked the belt and it seems to be in great shape (no cracks or worn spots) and it’s not loose. Power steering seems to work just fine as well, even if I leave right away before warming it up. It will squeal for a few seconds if I do that but not consistently.

Just wondering if you have any ideas. Thanks very much for your help!

I have a 2004 Subaru Forester with only 47k miles. The steering is never a problem until I make a hard turn (obviously at slow speeeds) left or right turn…at which point the steering sounds as if something is “rumbling” / “grinding”. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks, Keith

Um no, your issue is not related to this post.

I really think you need to let someone else service your car it sounds like you may have some significant challenges ahead of you, that based on your post I am not sure you may be up for.

Justin

Its possible, but it may also just be a loose belt.

Its hard for me to comment on a noise I cant hear for my self.

It would be better for you to check the reservoir foe signs of fluid aerating.

Justin

There are many names for the same thing.

The power steering pump, Alternator, and Ac compressor are all accessories to the engine, accessory drive belts are the belts that drive the engine accessories.

So one can call it a drive belt, accessory belt, power steering belt, serpentine belt, etc.

Your Subaru 2.5l has 3 belts, one timing belt, one power steering/alternator belt, & one ac belt, they are all drive belts.

As far as instructions, that info is in a service manual, as far as where to buy belts, we sell belts as does the Subaru dealer.

Justin

I have read all above comments and seem to need a belt replacement. My problem is the same as Brandon’s and Theresa’s and a few others. Pardon my novice, but I am assuming these are drive belts and not a power steering belt I need to replace. Is that correct? Are they one and the same? I drive a 2002 Impreza Outback. Can you tell me what belt I need to purchase and where I can find directions that tell me how to do this? Your help is greatly appreciated.