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Steering Column: Removal

  1. Adjust the tilt position to the lowest position and lock the tilt lever.
    Fig 1: Adjusting Steering Column Position
    G07913948Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  2. Remove the driver's airbag module assembly.
    1. Push in the snap pin using a hexagon wrench or equivalent wrapped with a protective tape to disengage the locks (3 locations).
      Fig 2: Locating Steering Wheel Locks
      G00523878Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    2. Disconnect the horn harness and airbag connector and remove the airbag module assembly. Refer to DRIVER'S AIRBAG MODULE, CURTAIN AIRBAG MODULE & PRETENSIONER Airbag Connector.
    3. Disconnect the horn harness.
      Fig 3: Disconnecting Airbag Connector
      G00525707Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  3. Remove the steering wheel.
    CAUTION:
    • Always use the steering wheel puller for removal to avoid deforming the steering wheel.
    • If the steering wheel has been removed, make sure that the roll connector is not turned from the original position.
    1. Disconnect the connector and remove the nut.
    2. Put alignment marks and remove the steering wheel.
      Fig 4: Locating Marking On Steering Wheel
      G06653202Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  4. Remove the steering column cover.
    1. Lower the lever of the steering column.
    2. Release the claws and remove the screws, then detach the steering column lower cover.
      Fig 5: Identifying Steering Column Lower Cover Screws
      G00525708Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    3. Separate the steering column upper cover and steering upper cover, and remove the steering column upper cover.
      Fig 6: Identifying Steering Column Upper Cover And Steering Upper Cover
      G06653204Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  5. Remove the universal joint.
    CAUTION: To prevent damage to the universal joint and error of handling force, make sure to remove the universal joint.
    1. Place alignment marks on universal joint.
    2. Remove the universal joint bolt and remove the universal joint.
      Fig 7: Locating Universal Joint Bolts
      G07914300Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  6. Remove the instrument panel lower cover.
    1. Remove the clips, and remove the instrument panel side cover LH.
      Fig 8: Identifying Instrument Panel Lower Cover LH Clips
      G06653104Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    2. Remove the clips and data link connector, and remove the instrument panel lower cover under.
      Fig 9: Identifying Instrument Panel Lower Cover Clips
      G07914313Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    3. Remove the screws and clips and release the claws, and remove the instrument panel lower cover while disconnecting the harness connectors.
      Fig 10: Locating Instrument Panel Lower Cover Screws
      G06653106Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  7. Remove the bolts, and remove the knee guard panel.
    Fig 11: Identifying Knee Guard Panel Bolts
    G00525709Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  8. Remove all connectors from the steering column.
  9. Remove the two bolts under instrument panel securing the steering column.
    Fig 12: Locating Instrument Panel Bolts
    G07914315Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  10. Pull out the steering shaft assembly from the hole on toe board.
    CAUTION: Do not loosen the tilt lever when the steering column is not secured to the vehicle.
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