I'm after some advice on what the problem could be.

Over the last 200 miles or so I noticed that it take a bit more effort than normal to start putting in some lock. Once the steering wheel starts moving it seemed fine. Another thing I noticed is that sometimes I'd get a clicking sound when moving the wheel that sounds like it coming from the steering column. Yesterday it it got worse and today it's pretty much un-driveable, The steering is so heavy.

Any ideas guys?

Yesterday I went to look at a new car...... Think I've upset her

 

Is the belt slipping? Try tightening up / replacing the aux belt.

 

Thanks Andy. That would be great.

Anyone else?

 

Have you checked the oil it's always over looked and never changed

 

The oil level is fine. I have to be honest I don't think its ever been changed.

Is this a hard job to do?

 

There was a post on the forester forum a while back about changing the oil using a turkey baster of all things to 'lift' the oil out of the reservoir then cycling the steering back and forth and repeating the process. I'll try to find it when I'm not on my phone tonight.

 

That's exactly how I was thinking of sound it!
I was talking to a subaru repair specialist and he said it sounds like the belt and pulley wheel. Apparently the wheel can wear and the belt will stop gripping.
He's coming over on Thursday to take a look.
Thanks for the advice guys.

 

FIXED
It was the universal joint between the rack and the steering column. It had seized which apparently is quite common.

 

God you are so lucky to have found that was the cause! I found it in the end but changed the power steering pump, belt and fluid first unfortunately which wasn't cheap! A £3 can of wd40 and some lithium grease sorted it. Gets better the more you drive though as it takes time to free up.

Well done!!

 

Only just seen this and was going to suggest the UJ - same happened to mine not long ago... glad you sorted it