Binding in tight turns - 1996 Subaru Legacy

it does sound like the u joints are loose and that allows it to bind abit. try to wiggle the drive axle on the differential side and check for play.

Measure the thickness of the disc. It could be thin enough with the worn bads that the piston is coming out so far that it is binding in the bore.

check belt is tight and or not damaged if good check power steering fluid if low can cause binding if good have alternator and battery checked alternator may be going bad and not charging battery [and if bearing going bad can cause binding }

Without hearing the noise I can't tell you for sure but take a spray can of WD40 and with the engine running spray some on the belts if noise goes way that's your problem, if not check the A/C (if you have A/C) the compressor may be binding up causing the belt to squeal due to friction from the tight compressor. To check the compressor remove the belt and turn the A/C pulley by hand (should turn freely) next turn on the key (do not start engine) turn on A/C then turn A/C pulley by hand again. It will be harder to turn but still relativity easy. If it is hard to turn it is beginning to bind.

have the "U" joints or cv joints checked at the front end

Could be a valving problem in the steering box or a binding ball joint etc. Try jacking it up and see if you can find anything that's binding (usually you can feel roughness or hear some noise in the bad part). You may want to disconnect the steering box at the linkage on the pitman arm to isolate the box from the remainder of the steering gear. I can't offer a "cure" only because there are too many parts to check and any one can be binding. So, instead, I'm telling you what to look at so you can find it.

Binding on tight turns are usally caused by a fault in the transmission tail end.
You can check in the following order.
1. Trans fuel level/ Change several time to flush the system..
2. Speed Sensor that sits on top of the tail end.
3. Duty-C Solenoid inside the tail end
3. Clutch Pack

duty solenoid that controls transfer clutches may be at fault,check the obvious first starting with level and condition of trans fluid if its ok make sure all tire sizes are correct and same,different tire sizes can cause binding in turns, all tires need to same circumfrence,if this is ok there is a empty fuse slot i believe in fuse box under the hood,place fuse in slot marked FWD,by putting a 15amp fuse in this slot it forces trans into front wheel drive a warning light on the dash will illuminate FWD,drive the car in your culdesac and hpefully binding wont occur signaling a problem with your transfer case either the clutches or that duty solenoid,the check engine lamp is probably not related to this concern good luck!

Check the cv joint and boot. It probably is binding as you turn. The halfshaft more than likely needs to be replaced.

i think youre on the right track with an outer axle joint