Strange noise in 5th gear

[zeek1403]

I have a 99 Outback with about 245,000 miles on it. As soon as I get it into 5th gear, it starts making a rather metallic sound from the tranny. It doesn't seem to happen in any other gears. I am also having a problem with the power steering. It seems very spotty. I can be going around a corner and the steering gets tough and then suddenly the power steering kicks back in causing me to sometimes jump all over the corner. It's also mysteriously loosing coolant. None in the oil. I changed the top radiator hose 2 months ago and all seems well up there. NO visible leaks from the bottom hose or the radiator itself. Any suggestions?

[RahX]

Coolant: possible headgasket leakage. 200+k miles is pretty good

Power steering: are you sure the belt is tight? No leaks? probably a pump if the belt is in good shape.

Transmission noise: Hafta look up the parts explosion and see how the gears are. Usually if a single gear is making noise, something is wrong with just that gear/bearing.