From cold, the steering is incredibly hard to turn and I can hear a squeaking (belt)..I then get very vague power steering which is 'notchy' and dangerous mid-corner when it decides to cut in/out. Makes for some proper hands-on driving!

Any ideas as to fairly simple checks/fixes I can do?

Is it the power steering? The headlights dim only when the belt squeaks, which is only for a few seconds when cold.

Should I stop being a skint student, and dish out an Impreza-driver's-sized bill to have it diagnosed and fixed by a professional?

As usual, any help or guidance is greatly appreciated.

 

Tension the belt correctly so there is so slippage in the belt, this should cure your notchy power steering and headlights dimming as the belt slips around pulleys when driven

 

A month on...because overnight the problem completely fixed itself, or so it appeared.

Started the car today and it was squeaking loudly, steering would barely move and lights would dim if I tried.

When the car warms up its completely fine.

Following another post, I assume changing the alternator belt wouldn't be a bad place to start? Does it sound like the power steering pumps on its way out?

Thanks

 

Start off with the belt. It's cheap and easy to fit.

Whilst the belt is off, spin the alternator and PS pump by hand to see if there's any excessive play.

Refit belt and see how you get on.

 

Didn't appear to be any excessive play within the pump or alternator. Belt change 'seems' to have cured the issue as I've done a few cold starts and can't replicate the notchy squeaky steering or dimming lights. Hopefully that was it for now so thanks.

I'm under no illusions though, these parts are getting on for 12 years old so I'm thinking it'll be replacement time soon anyway.