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It’s usually not the pump but air getting into it.

 

Have you checked the fluid level?

Any leaks?

 

It’s often an oring, if yours has an oring between the pump and reservoir. Is your reservoir on top of the pump or off to the side?

 

Look for leaks around the hoses attached to the pump. Replace any that are wet.

 

Some EJ engines (I forget which years have this set up) have a serpentine belt cover that needs properly installed as well or it pulls on the lines enough to cause noise. If this started after a belt change or some other front end work then check the serpentine belt cover. Though it’s been awhile so I forget which EJ engines this situation applies too.

Edited by idosubaru
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look in the PS tank for bubbles while idling - you may need to pull the intake snorkel off and have a helper turn the wheel.

 

if you have bubbles (ok, one or 2 every few seconds from splashing is fine) you need to do as said above, stop air from being sucked in.

 

however, if the evidence points to a bad pump, they are known to be very robust parts and you can save some $$ by swapping in a pump from a wreck. car-part.com or maybe LKQ

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the issue i mentioned is 00-04 related, so not yours. 

 

1.  look for bubbles after you've significantly heard the noise

2.  change the fluid?

3.  replace orings/hoses close to the pump - they don't have to leak, they simply suck in air.  

 

Subaru power steering failure is rare, it's common to replace one and still have symptoms because people swear it's gotta be the pump. 

 

That said - used pumps are cheap since they never fail there's zero demand.  www.car-part.com, ebay, etc. 

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unless severe enough to foam fluid out of the tank, it won't leak fluid OUT, it sucks air IN.

 

look in the tank while the car is making the noise. On some tanks it's tricky, you have to get your eye right done to the top of the tank.

 

I had to do the o-ring replacement on my 06 WRX last year. noise and 'notchy-feeling' steering.

Edited by 1 Lucky Texan
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