How to check power steering in 1997 Subaru Legacy Outback?

Hi,

My answer may apply to you. My girlfriend has a 99 Subaru legacy and the pwr steering fluid was leaking on the garage floor. We bought a rebuild kit for $45. from the dealer and I tried to repair it. I went to the public library and they had Chiltons manual online (free of coarse) that I was able to down load and copy on the step by step process on how to take off the whole Pwr Steering unit from the car so i could "rebuild" it. The site has instruction on how to bleed the system when you're done. Once the unit is out of the car you can look the unit over to see where your leak is happening. You didn't share in your question what problem leads you to believe you need to "check" your Power Steering so I'm not sure what you need to do. You can respond to this site I guess if you need more info. I did find the dealer wants about $360 for a new pump. I went to a rebuild site and found where I can have a rebuilt arrive at our house for $125. Installing is pretty easy. Rebuilding with the parts kit left me with some questions as I didn't feel comfortable taking some parts out for fear of not being able to get some back in just right. Small pins and such. One seal seemed pressed in. The pulley nut is regular threaded. Good luck. Mariner356@hotmail.com