I have a problem with the power steering (I think) I've read through some of the previous threads and have some ideas - one of the belts may need tightening, fluid may need topping up, and there could be air in the system.

upon inspection of the engine bay (was checking fluid levels), I noticed a bolt completely loose, dangling and ready to dislodge itself. I removed it completely as I didn't want it coming out and fowling the belt system. I've highlighted the offending bolt in red - could this be my issue?

 

Think so, looks like locking bolt (hard to see on phone)

 

On mine it was just the fact the belt was old, the original one I think, and rubber degrades over time so I replaced it. When I took the belt off I noticed that it had
definitely started to degrade, could see loads of little cracks in the rubber. Once I'd
got the new one on then the whine disappeared. I'm pretty sure you need that bolt in place, I think it locks the adjuster in place

 

Yes that looks like the bolt that locks the alternator in place onece the belt is adjusted. Looming on phone so a little dificult to see.

 

I tried to replace the bold, but the bold and hole were miss-aligned and nothing was budging.

It had the full major service last year - replacement of all belts, would that of included the power steering belt as well?

If I do get it replaced, am I likely to get stung?

 

Thing I might pop into the local garage and get the alternator re-aligned and see if that makes a difference

 

Ok slacken the nut and bolt on the other side of the alternator. this will allow the alternator to be moved about so you can line up the bolt holes. Also the long virtical ish bolt can be wound in or our allowing the square block with the bolt hole in to move up and down. this is how the belts adjusted and then locked off with both alternator bolts

 

I just used one of those 'how to' guides on YouTube and that showed me everything I needed to know. And the belt cost about £12 from the local motor factors.

 

Wouldn't mind giving it ago, but new town and no tools makes it a bit difficult.

Found a Subaru dealer in Cheltenham - John Wilkins Cars. Also gives me a chance to see what sort of operation they are running - if its worth using them in the future.

Pics I actually took

 

Yeah that's gotta be your boy.

Dead easy to adjust the belts, one of the first DIY jobs I did on mine when fixing a squeel.