Subaru Repair: Jerky Power Steering, smooth motion, power steering

Question
I have a 1998 Outback and just started feeling jerky when steering. Normally you can turn the wheels full left to full right in a smooth motion but now it feels as if the power steering sputters during the rotation making it feel jerky. There is no noise coming from the power steering and the fluid level is full. Does the fluid just need to be changed or could this be indicative of a larger problem?

Answer
Doug,

Have you checked the tightness of the belt?

Also Subaru's can develop a situation called torque binding.  This symptom is usually felt when the car is being turned at low speeds especially in reverse.

If you are experiencing torque binding the problem is in the All-Wheel Drive system and not with the steering.