Parts for your 2016 Subaru Impreza-Power steering pump

Power Steering Pump on the 2016 Subaru Impreza: What You Need to Know

When it comes to the 2016 Subaru Impreza, there is an interesting feature regarding its steering system that sets it apart from many other vehicles on the road. Unlike traditional cars that rely on a hydraulic power steering pump, the 2016 Subaru Impreza uses an electric power steering system. This means there is no conventional power steering pump found under the bonnet of this model.

The reason the 2016 Subaru Impreza doesn't have a power steering pump comes down to advancements in automotive technology. The Impreza employs electric power steering, often shortened to EPS. This technology uses an electric motor to assist the driver with steering input, rather than relying on a hydraulic pump powered by the engine belt. Eliminating the hydraulic pump reduces the overall weight of the vehicle and improves fuel efficiency by not drawing power from the engine to run a pump continuously. Additionally, electric power steering offers more precise control and can be tuned to provide different steering feels for comfort or sporty driving.

So if you're looking at your 2016 Subaru Impreza and thinking about the traditional power steering pump like you'd find in older or other conventional cars, you won't find one here. Instead, you have a system that uses sensors, an electric motor, and a control module to give you smooth, easy steering without any hydraulic fluid or pump maintenance.

Given the absence of a power steering pump, maintenance for the steering system on the 2016 Impreza is quite different. There's no need to worry about fluid leaks, hydraulic hoses, or pump wear and tear that is common in traditional power steering systems. Instead, routine servicing typically involves checking the electric power steering system's components during scheduled maintenance to ensure the steering assistance is functioning properly.

Electric power steering systems are generally very reliable and require less frequent maintenance compared to their hydraulic counterparts. The main focus is on ensuring the electronic parts are communicating correctly and there is no mechanical damage to the steering rack, tie rods, or sensors. If the electric power steering system ever develops a fault, it usually results in a warning light on the dash or a change in steering feel, prompting a diagnostic check by your mechanic or Subaru dealer.

For Subaru Impreza owners, this means peace of mind in terms of steering maintenance. There are no fluids to top up or pumps to replace. However, it is still important to have regular inspections of the steering system as part of your car's servicing schedule. Doing so helps catch any issues early, whether it be electrical faults, worn steering components, or alignment problems that could affect the handling and safety of the vehicle.

In some cases, if the electric power steering motor or sensors were to fail, repairs can be more technical and possibly costly, but such instances are relatively rare, especially when the vehicle is looked after with regular servicing. Keeping the suspension and steering linkages in good condition also supports the electric power steering system by ensuring it doesn't have to compensate for mechanical wear elsewhere.

Owners of 2016 Subaru Impreza vehicles should focus on maintaining the overall vehicle health with regular visits to a trusted service centre. While the power steering pump is not something to worry about, typical tasks might include steering rack inspections, ensuring the electric components are operating smoothly, tyre rotations, wheel alignments and checking all steering-related hardware for wear or damage.

To wrap it up, the 2016 Subaru Impreza's steering is one step ahead of older models with its electric power steering system. This design choice removes the need for a power steering pump and the maintenance issues that come with it. It's a win for fuel economy, reliability and the everyday ease of driving. So while you won't be replacing a traditional power steering pump on your Impreza, staying on top of your vehicle's regular servicing will keep your steering system running sweet and ensure you enjoy safe, confident driving for years to come.