Hello. We have a 01 outback with 153k. The car has been great. Cant complain. Just brag! The steering seemed a little tight for a while when we first got it but I thought it was normal. The steering began to loosen up to the point of being able to feel a little slack while driving. After thoroughly checking the rest of the steering components and all being good I assumed the rack was the problem. Yesterday after changing the oil I found some fluid in the driver side boot and this confirmed my assumption. I was wandering if this was a common problem and whether I would be safe getting a rack from a junkyard. Also it sounds like a piston is about to launch to the moon on cold start up. Is this a normal issue and is it going to cut down on the mileage potential of the engine. Sorry so long winded.

Cars & Trucks - Subaru - Outback - 2001 Subaru Outback