2009 Legacy steering problem

buckeyechuck1

2009 Legacy with 46,000 miles has a hard steer. P/S is full. Wheel is very hard to turn when sitting still and shudders when turned to left as it nears full turn.

Mr_Shiftright

Does the steering get easier if you put it in neutral and race the engine a bit?

First thing I'd do of course is to check the fluid level and the tension on the belt. Also check for a leaking or swelling power steering hose. We are looking for anything that might cause a drop in hydraulic pressure.

If there are no leaks, and the fluid level is good, and if the steering improves when you hit the gas, and if the power steering pump isn't noisy, then it's most likely an issue with the steering rack's internal valving.