LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Subaru >> 2002 >> Forester Base >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Steering >> Manual Steering >> Power Assisted System >> Steering Gearbox >> Inspection >> Oil Leaking
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

Oil Leaking

Fig 1: Identifying Oil Leaking Parts
G02863134Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTE: If gearbox is dismounted without confirming where the leak is, it must be mounted again to locate the leak point.
  1. Even if the location of the leak can be easily found by observing the leaking condition, it is necessary to thoroughly remove the oil from the suspected portion and turn the steering wheel from lock to lock about 30 to 40 times with engine running, then make comparison of the suspected portion between immediately after and several hours after this operation.
  2. Inspect leakage from "a".

    The oil seal is damaged. Replace valve assembly with a new one.

  3. Inspect leakage from "b".

    The torsion bar O-ring is damaged. Replace valve assembly with a new one.

  4. Inspect leakage from "c".

    The oil seal is damaged. Replace valve assembly or oil seal with a new one.

  5. Inspect leakage from "d".

    The pipe is damaged. Replace the faulty pipe or O-ring.

  6. If leak is other than a, b, c, or d, and if oil is leaking from the gearbox, move the right and left boots toward tie-rod end side, respectively, with the gearbox mounted to the vehicle, and remove oil from the surrounding portions. Then, turn the steering wheel from lock to lock 30 to 40 times with the engine running, then make comparison of the leaked portion immediately after and several hours after this operation.
    1. Inspect leakage from "e".

      The cylinder seal is damaged. Replace rack bushing with a new one.

    2. Inspect leakage from "f.

      There are two possible causes. Take following step first. Remove the pipe assembly B from the valve housing, and close the circuit with ST.

    ST 926420000 PLUG

    CAUTION:
    • If leakage from "f" is noted again: 

      The oil seal of pinion and valve assembly is damaged. Replace pinion and valve assembly with a new one. Or replace the oil seal and the parts that are damaged during disassembly with new ones. 

    • If oil stops leaking from "f": 

      The oil seal of rack housing is damaged. Replace the oil seal and the parts that are damaged during disassembly with new ones.