does anyone know if i can use a power steering pump from a 1997 outback on a1999 forester??? bolt pattern is same they are almost identical but the 97 is just a little smaller... anybody know???????

Pulley or body?

rock auto says: A-1 CARDONE 215990 Power Steering Pump SUBARU IMPREZA 1997-1998 SUBARU LEGACY 1997-1999 and A-1 CARDONE 215139 Power Steering Pump SUBARU FORESTER 1999-2001 so they're technically not compatible.

Good catch. May be about 2.2i vs 2.5i app.

yeah, since 99 went phase 2, I could see that being one possibility.. idk much about the earlier 1.8 and 2.2 or any other previous engines.

It probably wouldn't hurt to try it (or would it?), but Ern brings up a good point about the pulley as well.

The pulleys are swappable, but can be hard to remove if old.

While you're at it be sure to replace the 0-ring at the top inlet hose, as these notoriously leak, allowing sucking air and foaming the fluid. Sometimes adding a thin washer under an older 0-ring can be a quick fix if you don't have a new o-ring. Slightly larger ones from any good hardware store work well too. After aligning the top hose and its ring CAREFULLY torque down the single10mm off- set securing bolt. Stupid design....

i switched them and it worked but the one from the forester has a plug on it not sure what it is for but the one from the 97 doesnt have a plug but it is working fine...any idea what the plug is for???

and i did have to switch pulleys....was easier to take pump off from motor with pulley off anyhow...

Should be ok.

I forget....