What could cause a groaning steering noise at low speed in a Subaru Outback?

[LaylaP]

My 2017 Outback has started making a low groaning noise from the front end, but only when I’m turning the steering wheel at a complete stop or very low speed, like when I’m parking. It feels like it’s fighting me a little, and the power steering fluid level looks okay. I’m worried it’s the beginning of something serious with the steering rack.

[Oliver35]

That sound at a complete stop is the kind of thing that makes me worry about EPS cars. On my 2017 Outback I learned there isn’t a hydraulic power steering fluid reservoir to check, so the groan isn’t about a low fluid level. A lot of times it’s a front end thing like a worn tie rod, a dry suspension joint, or a bearing rather than the rack itself.

[Riley38]

I did a quick under car check with the car off and wiggled the front end by hand. I found some play in the outer tie rod, swapped it, and the noise disappeared.

[Alexander_G]

Another possibility is a brake rotor or caliper issue. A dragging caliper can groan when you’re moving at parking speed, especially if the pad or rotor is slightly glazed.

[William_H]

Have you had it checked by a shop yet?