Parts for your 2017 Subaru Legacy-Power steering pump

2017 Subaru Legacy power-steering-pump — is it used, and what to know

There’s no hydraulic power-steering pump on the 2017 Subaru Legacy. This model uses an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, so there’s no belt-driven pump, no steering fluid reservoir, and no hoses. Technical sources confirming this include the Subaru Owner’s Manual for the 2017 Legacy/Outback (which identifies the vehicle as equipped with EPS and lists no power-steering fluid checks), Subaru’s factory Service Manual (Steering section, Electric Power Steering), and Subaru parts catalogues for the BN/BS platform (which show no pump or fluid parts for the steering system).

Why no pump? EPS provides steering assistance via an electric motor and control unit on the steering column, using a torque sensor to decide how much assist to apply. By removing the hydraulic pump and fluid, EPS trims parasitic losses, helps fuel economy, reduces weight and under-bonnet clutter, and makes it easier for the car’s safety systems to integrate steering assist logic. It’s also cleaner to live with—no fluid to leak or top up.

For owners searching for a “2017 Subaru Legacy power-steering-pump,” the part simply isn’t applicable. Instead, attention during servicing should go to the components relevant to EPS and steering feel: the battery and charging system (EPS is sensitive to low voltage), the steering column joints and rack boots, wheel alignment and tyre condition, and any software updates for the steering control unit if advised by a Subaru dealer. If the EPS warning light appears, diagnosis is done via fault codes with Subaru’s Select Monitor and a check of wiring, torque sensor data, and motor operation.

• Tell-tales of EPS issues: intermittent heavy steering, EPS warning lamp, or steering that feels inconsistent after a low-voltage event.
• No power-steering fluid is used—there’s nothing to flush or top up. Any oily residue near the front end is more likely engine oil, transmission fluid, or brake fluid and should be inspected promptly.
• After suspension work or a wheel alignment, a steering angle sensor calibration may be required to keep driver-assist features happy.

Technical references relied upon: Subaru Owner’s Manual (2017 Legacy/Outback, steering description and maintenance schedule), Subaru Factory Service Manual via Subaru Technical Information System (Steering: Electric Power Steering), and OEM parts catalogues for BN/BS Legacy confirming absence of a hydraulic pump and reservoir.

Popular questions

Does a 2017 Subaru Legacy have a power-steering pump?
No. The 2017 Legacy uses Electric Power Steering, so there’s no hydraulic pump, reservoir, or fluid. This is documented in Subaru’s Owner’s Manual and the factory Service Manual for the BN/BS platform.

What fluid does the 2017 Legacy use for the steering?
None. EPS doesn’t use hydraulic fluid. If fluid is seen under the bonnet or beneath the car, it will be from another system and should be checked by a technician.

How is the steering system serviced on a 2017 Legacy if there’s no pump?
Service focuses on ensuring good battery and charging health, inspecting steering column joints and rack boots, keeping tyres and alignment in top nick, and performing steering angle sensor calibration after relevant repairs. Any EPS warning light should be scanned for fault codes.