Subaru 3.0L H6 Power Steering Noise Fix

[@jessecan]

I just got around to doing this thanks to your video...like a year later! Luckily I don’t drive that often. Put a new o-ring on it, popped the reservoir cap and turned the wheel. It took a few turns of the wheel and the sound went away! Thank you :)

[@kazuishidera8495]

Thank you! It cost me about $10 and 30mins instead of replacing the entire pump in which was suggested by tech.

[@MrSubaru1387]

+Kazu Ishidera awesome. Glad to help!

[@JETA3182]

Thanks so much, I had a 2006 Blitzen 3.0 with the same problem. Took it to two Subaru specialists who advised that the power steering pump had to be replaced and the o-ring solution would not work. Quoted me between $800 and $1,100. Took it to my local mechanic and told him to change the o-ring on the suction hose. He was sceptical but did it anyway. It worked perfectly and cost about $50. Bloody brilliant!! Thanks again, really, really appreciate it. Nice to be able to do a three point turn now and not have half the street stare at me because of the noise! :-)

[@MrSubaru1387]

Glad to help! 👍

[@jaidynmurphy9429]

I’ve been struggling with this problem in my ez30r and have pulled apart my pump and reassembled it and could not understand what was wrong, I am yet to try this but I am going to be mad if this is what’s causing the air leak

[@sergiof.louridourrutia748]

Excellent video! I had the same noise in my 2007 Outback 3.0R. I changed the oring as watched in the video, and no more noises. Thanks for share it. Greetings from Chile.

[@MrSubaru1387]

Glad to help!

[@84astu]

+Sergio F. Lourido Urrutia donde encontraste el o-ring? tengo el mismo problema del ruido....

[@sergiof.louridourrutia748]

+Miguel Astudillo Mi cuñado de USA me lo trajo cuando vino en el verano. En Chile se vende sólo la bomba completa, cuyo precio original bordea los CLP 1.200.000...una locura. De hecho, el número de pieza del video, si lo buscas en opposedforces.com no existe para la Outback 2007-09, está para la Outback H6 anterior (la del video), pero prácticamente son el mismo auto y calza perfecto. En Ebay está para comprarla, intenta con eso antes de pensar en cambiar la bomba. Suerte!

[@renmamu]

tambien soy de chile y tengo el mismo ruido pero en un legacy 2000 se solucionara cambiando el o-ring? por que la bomba usada me sale $120.000 CLP

[@TheYherkho]

René Mardones encontro solucion?,

[@sniggitty]

This is spot on. My 2002 outback vdc was making a horrendous racket on cold starts. the o ring was hardened and easily removed. I added a new o ring for $1.93 and the noise is gone. spilled a bit of fluid, so i also drained and refilled the reservoir

[@prestontechaira2570]

What size o ring did you use? I can’t seem to find one at a store

[@braidenmarkham9473]

Excellent vid, wasn’t sure about this but tried the fix and worked!! Cheap and quick, thanks for keeping me from buying another pump!

[@MrSubaru1387]

Glad to help. 👍🏻

[@reidsepulveda8493]

I "WAS" going to replace my power steering pump for about $140.00 w/tax and two or three hours of labor.But for $2.50 and ten minutes of labor we are good to GO! Thanks!

[@MrSubaru1387]

+reid sepulveda awesome! Glad to hear.

[@chaplainfred]

Perfect video instructions. Thank you and awesome job. To the point without any nonsense talking. Once again, thank you very much. Now my 2001 Subaru outback is back in business

[@andrewpatton2680]

Thank you!! After replacing my serpentine belt, along with the tensioner and idler pulleys (roughly $120 in parts), I tried this $6 fix, and it worked instantly. I'm not exactly sure why it worked, was air getting sucked in? I have no idea. Pure magic I tell you!

[@MrSubaru1387]

+Andrew Patton you're welcome. Yes. The o-ring shrinks and gets brittle with time and let's the pump pull in air. Glad you found the video helpful. Too bad you didn't discover it before replacing the other components.

[@cottonzway]

I have a feeling this is what is going on with my 07 H6. Similar kind of noise. I'll get this and try to replace it once it isn't so cold out. Thank you.

[@kylekeast]

Great video thank you. Fixed my horrible noise for $5 and 10 minutes work

[@Scouty208]

Wow! Awesome! The dealer wanted to charge me $900 to replace the pump lol

[@jamesexploringonline872]

Thankyou for your good detailed fix, it's true the others do not explain or show good step by step as you have. I can't thank you enough. if I could I would give you 10 thumbs-up. cheers James.

[@MrSubaru1387]

+James Katon thank you. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@sethblackmoore3057]

Turns out my hose was the problem. It was very hard I originally tried changing the o ring but it would still make the noise. Soo I bought. A new suction hose and in removal of my old suction hose it had two tears in the hose . When I started up the engine the noise continued but I place more transmission fluid also allowed the engine to warm up I locked the steering wheel a couple times after the engine warmed up and the noise disappeared.

[@Arctic222Avenger]

It's unbelievable that a stupid O-ring can make it sound so horrible. Anyone would first think the pump is done.

[@MrSubaru1387]

+Arctic Avenger yea, o-ring shrinks with age and allows air into the line, the pump cavitates, and then we hear the whine.

[@jakesheridan2334]

you're the man, man. anymore EZ30 vids would be greatly appreciated :D

[@MrSubaru1387]

+Jake Sheridan hopefully I'll have the time to make some more soon. 👍

[@jakesheridan2334]

MrSubaru1387 So I've replaced the o-ring, as well as the return hose (due to it being pretty hard with little softening even after warm-up), refilled reservoir with fresh fluid and still experiencing same squeal. What would you recommend as the next course of action? it's an 02 outback h6 LLBean.

[@MrSubaru1387]

+Jake Sheridan at this point, I would probably guess at a bad pump unfortunately.

[@lucaradaelli79]

thank you so much mr. subaru!!! i have solved my problem!! bye from Italy W subaru H6!!!!

[@preseaos]

I just bought one set of millimeters o-rings (120pcs), hope they fit, if not; gonna have to buy standard, another ride to autozone.

[@calebcollison5173]

I recently JDM swapped my 2002 Outback 3.0. The original PS pump had a bad leak so I used the PS pump that came with the JDM swap. I replace the hose and the seal and added new fluid. I CANT GET IT TO BLEED, no Power steering, and the reservoir just keeps bubbling profusely (NON-STOP)..... I'm sorry if this has been addressed in comments or past videos.

[@vladividela291]

how to remove the retaining ring from a subaru power steering pump Hi, I liked your video. One question, what is the torque on the bolt you removed to change the o-ring?

[@briantyrrell2040]

Thx for the info.

[@psychonauts378]

I have a 2003 H6 outback and I have a leak on the driver side power steering hose near the rack. It's a pressure hose with a rubber hose crimped to a metal line. I don't know if this line is going to the pump or if it has a power steering cooler line. Do you know what it could be?

[@johnnyfive5629]

It worked. Thank you!

[@MrSubaru1387]

+Ruben Espinoza glad to help.

[@JuicyMonarch]

I’m about to try this first I need to hunt a O ring

[@ccrider77]

Same procedure on our 2005 2.5 Turbo Forester. Same pump fitting. Why they simply didn't cast the return fitting into the pump and eliminate the O-ring altogether, I'll never know.

[@LoftyVisions]

Legend, thanks!

[@MrSubaru1387]

Welcome!

[@carslover3509]

great work

[@MrSubaru1387]

Thanks!

[@thdmtr]

you are my hero!!

[@MrSubaru1387]

Glad to help.

[@mikewasowski1411]

Hey mate, I gave this a shot and I've still got a whine, though my PS pump doesn't whine any louder when I turn the wheel, only changes in volume/pitch with revs. I'm pretty sure the whine is coming from the pump so was looking at your rebuild video next. Most rebuild kits just have seals. I'm wondering how likely it is that the whine could be caused by a faulty internal seal? I wonder if it more likely a bearing failing, or more attributed to a mechanical 'metallic' component rather than polymer seal? Loose question, I know.....just looking for opinions from others who have had whine and fixed it.....or whine that doesn't increase with turning of the wheel.

[@MrSubaru1387]

+Mike Wasowski I'd say it's probably time to look for a used or reman pump. It could be a seal on the pump sucking air and making it whine, but most likely would have a leak as well.

[@paulyvstar7924]

How much torque for the 12mm bolt?

[@Michael-bs1ev]

Great video! Is there any way or tips to diagnose if it's indeed the hose and o-ring versus the whole pump assembly? The only thing I notice on my 2000 Ouback 2.5 is that the reservoir is empty and the reservoir to pump hosing has fluid residual on the outside.

[@MrSubaru1387]

If the reservoir is empty, first you need to add fluid. Squeeze the hose, if it's hard, replace it. It should be squishy and flexible.

[@Michael-bs1ev]

Okay thank you

[@MrSubaru1387]

You're welcome. 👍🏻

[@larrybrooks7414]

I have a 2003 Subaru Wagon, axles were installed, now my pump sounds like your video and hard to turn. Can this be as simple as the o ring?

[@MrSubaru1387]

Definitely worth a shot. Could just be low fluid as well from the sound of it.

[@larrybrooks7414]

FLUID IS FULL, THEY HAD REPLACED THE AXLES AND FLUSHED THE SYSTEM. THIS IS THE VIDEO I HAD SEEN. THE LINE BESIDE THIS ON HAS SOME KIND OF MATERIAL HANDING OUT(just barely), LOOKS LIKE SHREDDED CLOTH, BUT YOU THINK THE RETURN HOSE? THANKS

[@Order66Wfries]

Does the 02 wrx have that o-ring? I don’t see it..

[@geemanfunman1267]

Sweet

[@LuxxyHD]

Exactly same sound I had and now a leaking power steering rack uhhh Subaru’s 😔

[@eguiartehomes]

Just realized my Subaru dealer in Schaumburg has been ripping me off. New power steering pump and a rack within a few months. Outback with 105,000 miles.

[@OviedoMossosMD]

Greetings. What's ur opinion on Stop Leak products for power steering pump leak? ( Already replaced the o rings) it's a 2008 2.0 Impreza NA. Thanks!

[@MrSubaru1387]

The pump is leaking? It is it a hose? Steering rack? Stop leaks work by swelling seals. They rarely work. Best to fix the actual cause of the leak.

[@OviedoMossosMD]

MrSubaru1387 thanks! ..dexron fluid its over the engine block I guess it's the pump itself. No fluid stains under car. No noise after o ring and low pressure hose change. Reservoir needs to be refilled about every 10 days so it doesn't go under minimum mark. Would you try a pump reconstruction or go directly for a new one?

[@MrSubaru1387]

+LecterDr if you can get a seal/rebuild kit for the pump, I'd go with that. Most cost efficient repair. You can use my pump rebuild video as a general guide.

[@OviedoMossosMD]

MrSubaru1387 Thanks again on ur quick response. Do you have any part number/brand/online store for the seal Kit ? I'm outside US and my car is EU specs but i found out that oem pump part # matches the one used in the 2,5 NA impreza sold in the US. (08-12) ( Specific seal kits are not available in my country and dealer's price on new pump: U$1.100 plus labor.)

[@MrSubaru1387]

+LecterDr p/n should be Subaru 34490AE00A

[@millspeed88]

Hi Mr S. I have an H6 in UK and the rack is leaking oil from the seals inside. Do you know if I can change the seals myself, or does it require special tools for the seal removal. Great video bye the way. Thanks in advance

[@MrSubaru1387]

+millspeed88 what part of the rack is leaking?

[@millspeed88]

Hi And thanks for your reply. It is leaking a huge amount of fluid into the rack gaitors. I think it must have blown the internal seals. If I fill the reservoir, its empty after a 30 minute drive ! Any help would be great...Thank you Steve Miller

[@MrSubaru1387]

+millspeed88 I'd say go ahead and buy a new or reman rack and be done with it. A warranty and piece of mind go a long way.

[@millspeed88]

Yeah, you are right, but they are so expensive over here. I cant even find an aftermarket one. New they cost £1200 ! I'll get in touch with reman types and se what they quote. Listen man, thanks for spending the time. All the best Steve

[@JacanaProductions]

I have a pump issue but a little different that this - turning the steering wheel hard left and right at low speeds produces a vibration hum, think it's the TSB 04-13-09R recall pressure relief valve but it may be this too ? I really don't want to have to replace the entire pump!

[@MrSubaru1387]

I doubt the o-ring or line would cause the issue you described. Normally they just cause a whine.

[@JacanaProductions]

MrSubaru1387 Can you replace the pressure relief valve without taking out the entire pump? What does a decent quality pump run cost wise?

[@MrSubaru1387]

3.0L or 2.5L?

[@JacanaProductions]

3.0L I think the valve is on the wrong side and pump must come out @@MrSubaru1387

[@MrSubaru1387]

Yea, I've had no luck in finding repair/rebuild kits for the H6 pumps, most likely need to replace it.

[@prestontechaira2570]

Is it safe to the pump if I were to drive with the pump making this sound ?

[@woutervandeburgwal5874]

Thanks 🙏🏼

[@MrSubaru1387]

You're welcome.

[@theshinobi01]

When removing the 12 mm bolt from the suction hose to the pump, the 12mm bolt sheared off. Any ideas as the rest of the bolt is inside the pump housing.

[@MrSubaru1387]

Oh man... The only thing I can think of would be to use a fluted or multispline extractor to remove what's left from the pump.

[@bP-yr3po]

Is it possible that the ring didn't seat properly? Ive tried 2x. If it still squeals whats the potential problem?

[@bP-yr3po]

The problem? I didn't tighten it down enough. I was afraid to snap the bolt but then the 3x i watched the video I noticed: dude used an impact wrench. impact wrench.....impact wrench........I gave it a few cranks and problem solved.

[@cristiangonzalez3548]

Hi... I have and outback 2007 3.0R (H6) and It has the same noise that you shown in your video. I already tried with oring, but It doesn´t work. I think I need to change the pump, but its is very expensive here (Chile).... do you know which P/S pumpr part number is?, so I migth try to import it... Thanks!

[@MrSubaru1387]

I don't know off hand, you may still just have a small leak in a hose though. Try to wiggle the hoses and make the noise get worse or better, what condition is the fluid in?

[@cristiangonzalez3548]

Also I tried, noise get better, but remains. I refilled the fluid a week ago, it is fine... I know is leaking, but level is almost the same that one week ago. Thanks

[@nicolasrosario2037]

Do you have a replacement video

[@jannovak5532]

Nice! But I still hear the pump. Its normal sound? Or it should be totally quiet?

[@MrSubaru1387]

+Jan Novák if you still have a whine after replacing the o-ring, you may have a damaged hose or pump.

[@jannovak5532]

Yes, very quiet like on video, but still hear it...

[@edmaple4261]

Would love a 05 - 09 H6 alternator replacement video.

[@MrSubaru1387]

Pretty sure I've got one from 3 or 4 years ago.

[@MrSubaru1387]

Oh, 05-09. Should be the same has my 01-04 H6 alternator vid.

[@edmaple4261]

Similar, but there are some differences. Belt guard is different. I will look tomorrow to see if mounting / tensioning is the same. Engine is hot and I am beat.

[@jamienguyen476]

having almost the same issuse i have the noise I have bubbling in the resivior and a leak behind the pump. can anyone help me I already changed the pump,hose,belt amd o ring

[@MrSubaru1387]

If the pump is leaking, I'd say it's time to replace or rebuild it.

[@codyhill9087]

Please help. I got the wrong o ring. Started car and it made the most awful noise when turning wheel. Fluid spilled out of resior.

[@codyhill9087]

Please help:)

[@ksykes902]

Hi my 2000 2.5 liter Subaru Legacy has 128000 miles the only thing I see leaking is the two hoses going to the power steering reservoir not all the time but sometimes when I drive come to a stop and make a turn I'll get a little grunt in the steering wheel it feels like any idea what that is

[@MrSubaru1387]

Are the power steering hoses hard or are they still soft and pliable?

[@ksykes902]

@@MrSubaru1387 hard as rocks

[@MrSubaru1387]

I'd start there. Replace the hoses and the suction line o-ring.

[@ksykes902]

@@MrSubaru1387 sounds good I'll let you know how it went thank you

[@ksykes902]

Hi yes it worked I changed the two hoses nice and tight steering wheel works great also have another problem in doing a tune-up on it notice that the end of the spark plug wire boot is stuck in the engine got them out but can I use them or will it make it run funny

[@landismailbox]

is the same fix possible on the 4 cylinder engine? Same year 2004 Outback

[@MrSubaru1387]

Possible that it's the O-ring or the suction line causing the noise. Is the top hose hard like a rock? Or is it still rubbery and pliable?

[@landismailbox]

It's pretty hard brother...has a yellow dot on it. I do HVAC so this ones got me searching for a simple solution

[@landismailbox]

Are you thinking replace the suction hoses? When engine runs the fluid reservoir has foam on top.

[@MrSubaru1387]

I'd day that hose is the likely culprit. They get hard and don't seal well, especially on colder days. To be safe, I'd replace the o-ring as well. Cheap insurance.

[@landismailbox]

sounds like a plan One last question...should the p.s. fluid reservoir cap have some type of seal or gasket to it? Mine is just plastic cap on plastic reservoir...push to snap on

[@MegaMr1967]

My wife 04 Outbacks power steering was making this noise I thought I fixed then today her power steering pressure sensor blew out. What could have done this?

[@MrSubaru1387]

+matthew roy meaning the pressure switch on the rear of the pump with the single wire and white connector?

[@MegaMr1967]

Yes

[@MrSubaru1387]

+matthew roy I've never seen that happen before. Sensor could've failed, plastic, if I remember correctly. The snap ring holding it in could've popped off, pump could've failed and built too much pressure. Hard to say.

[@TheYherkho]

Hola buenas, saludos desde chile, la fuga que tengo en mi 2.0R de debe a ese orrin, pero aca en Atacama, Chile no lo encuentro, estara en ebay?

[@MrSubaru1387]

+Yherkho Cortez você pode encontrá-lo no ebay.

[@TheYherkho]

MrSubaru1387 si lo encontré gracias, lamentablemente el envio cuesta 8 veces mas caro que el mismo o-ring

[@MrSubaru1387]

+Yherkho Cortez sí, ese es el problema de compra en línea. o-ring es muy barato, el envío no lo es.

[@TheYherkho]

MrSubaru1387 si, bueno gracias, de alguna manera encontrare la solución, probare cubriendo con silicona la base.

[@MrSubaru1387]

+Yherkho Cortez Não há lojas de peças de automóveis perto de você? Qualquer o-ring próximo ao tamanho funcionará. Não precisa ser um certo o-ring. Eu não usaria silício no encaixe.

[@wax333]

my h6 is making a kind of clicking noise when turned could this be the cause?

[@MrSubaru1387]

+wax333 clicking noise could be a bad cv axle, ball joint, or other suspension component. Unless you're saying that the clicking is coming from the power steering pump.

[@wax333]

only does it when stationary and your turning wheel. i also have the steering pump whine . when stationary. or very low speed.

[@MrSubaru1387]

+wax333 the whine is either low fluid level or the o-ring. The popping is most likely something mentioned before in the suspension/steering linkage.

[@wax333]

fluid level is full. could the fluid be old and need replacing ? its the colour of used oil now

[@MrSubaru1387]

+wax333 power steering fluid should be a clear, bright, red. I'd replace it and go from there.

[@germanpryga6651]

Hello! I have a Subaru outback with electric power steering, I notice that it makes a strange noise when I turn to the left and nobody knows how to tell me what it can be, Unless I change the electric power steering. Have you known any case of these? Thanks in advance for your answer.

[@zvonimir2096]

I also have that noise on my impreza

[@raphaelgilbert7591]

Just spended 400$ for a new power steering pump and now i see that😔

[@FOGELL_TheGreat]

Mines got 338,000km on it so no matter what it makes noise lol

[@MrSubaru1387]

+TheThegamingguy probably time for a pump. And/or the suction hose is hard as a rock and needs to be replaced.

[@magyar77]

Hrmm, didn't work for me.

[@MrSubaru1387]

+magyar77 most likely a bad power steering pump or an air leak somewhere else in the system.

[@MrSubaru1387]

+magyar77 most likely a bad power steering pump or an air leak somewhere else in the system.

[@magyar77]

yeah, just my luck! haha, organising a replacement soon. Thanks for the vid though.

[@lessex7733]

I have this car and problem. Now I haven't :)

[@MrSubaru1387]

Glad I could help.

[@jamesexploringonline872]

Thankyou for your good detailed fix, it's true the others do not explain or show good step by step as you have. I can't thank you enough. if I could I would give you 10 thumbs-up. cheers James.