Dr. Fresh

OK, forgive my n00bism, but I may have been mistaken. It's been a while since I was able to move the car, but I got it drivable today, and I took it around the block. With the fluid topped off, the PS did function, but when I turn the wheel there is a loud, constant noise.

It drives like it would if the engine weren't running at all. There's no noise at all, the steering just isn't boosted.

The PS on my '88 GL wagon is not working. It worked when I bought the car, albeit not well. But now it doesn't work at all. The pump has plenty of fluid and the belt is fine. Is the pump the only possible part that could cause this, or is there something else that could be the culprit?

This is good to know. I wasn't sure whether the rear diff or axle caused the spinning. Thanks.

I'm over in Kitsap County. Do any of them fit an '88 GL wagon with the 5spd? If so, I'm definitely interested.

I might just do that, since the u-joint makes an overwhelmingly loud noise when the vehicle is in motion.

Yeah, this is why I'll most likely be replacing the entire drive shaft. So if I leave it connected to the transmission (manual trans) but disconnect it from the rear diff, and leave it in FWD, it should be OK? The front u-joint is the one that's bad.

Is this harmful in any way? My '88 GL needs a new u-joint/drive shaft. I'll be getting the part at some point, but I'd like to be able to drive the car in the meantime. If I remove the shaft, is the car still driveable? Will driving it like that cause any damage?

I'm located in Suquamish, which is in Kitsap County, just across the water from you. I'd be very interested in getting that off your hands! Thanks. Also, the car is an EA82 for those who were unsure.

Thanks for all the info guys. So if I buy a new driveshaft, it should come with u-joints, right? I might just do that, assuming it doesn't cost too much.

Yeah, I know it's common to replace them on other cars, so that's why it's confusing that nobody carries them. I can take a driveshaft out of a junkyard car, but I don't want used u-joints. Any Washington members wanna recommend a driveline specialist?

Well that sucks. I can't imagine it's cheap.

I've been looking for new u-joints for my GL wagon, and none of the parts stores in the area list them. What's going on?

Yeah, I'm planning on replacing the belt anyway, so I'll start there before I go and replace the pump or some such. EDIT: Is it difficult to swap in a manual steering unit? I prefer manual steering in a compact FWD car anyway.

Thanks, will keep this in mind.

Thanks for the replies. The local yard has several wagons. I might be able to pull a driveshaft from one. Is there anything I should look for to make sure it's a good one? Also, are there differences in driveshaft length or design between different Loyale/GL models?

Hey all, I just entered the Subaru world for the first time by recently purchasing an '88 GL wagon with the 5spd, low/high-range 4wd, and SPFI EA-82. I love this car, but it has some issues I can't figure out. When I drive, it makes a very loud rattling noise. You can feel it in both the transmission shifter and the 4wd shifter. The faster the car goes, the louder and more rapid the rattling. At 40+mph, your hand will go numb if you hold onto the 4wd shifter. From the driver's seat, the sound seems to come from the front/center portion of the car. I thought it was the front passenger CV shaft, so I replaced it, but the sound persists (the shaft was worn out anyway). I'm thinking it might be a u-joint, since it's so dependent on vehicle speed. Also, my power steering is having issues. When moving at very slow speeds (parking maneuvers and such) the steering was almost totally unboosted. Once you get out on the road it steers OK but not great. The fluid level appears to be fine. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!