Power Steering Pump Failure?

[none77]

My 1991 Legacy 130,000 is leaking a lot of power steering fluid. It seems to be leaking from the power steering pump, but I can't see the leak. I can see a huge puddle of Fluid under the pump. I can hear what sounds like some bearing noise from pump.

I'm curious if the power Steering Pumps from any newer cars can be substituted. I live in Kentucky, and the Salvage yards here very rarely have older Subaru's. I did see a 1993 Loyale in salvage yard, and 1995 Legacy.

Thanks in advance for all the expert advice.

Lou

[Legacy777]

Hi Lou,

There is typically a weep hole in the back of the pump that leaks. The bearings can start to fail. Honestly, the best option and probably the cheapest in the long run if you have the mechanical ability is to rebuild the pump. The seal kit from Subaru is not too much money, and a new bearing is $15-$20.

This thread should have the info needed to get you started.

http://bbs.legacycentral.org/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=24143

[none77]

Awesome! Thanks for the help. I'll see if I can find rebuild kit, and get it working.

[allnines']

I don't even see the bearing listed as part of the rebuilding kit in the parts catalog I have ('90) I need to do the pump on my 91 wagon- I kept the pump from my 91 sedan that the bearing did go on-I would like to rebuild that one.

[Legacy777]

The bearing is not part of the kit. As mentioned above it is a seal kit, not a rebuilld kit. Subaru will sell you a new shaft with a bearing already pressed on the shaft (if they still sell it). Or you just follow the links in my posted thread above to purchase the bearing separately. Then you just press the old bearing off and press the new one on.

[none77]

I wanted to follow up on this thread, and let everyone know that I got bought a salvage Power Steering Pump, and got my Legacy back on the road.

I saved the old pump, and plan to rebuild if needed.

Thanks for all the Help.