Steering Column: Removal

Adjust the tilt position to the lowest position and lock the tilt lever.

Fig 1: Adjusting Steering Column Tilt Position
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the driver's airbag module assembly.
CAUTION: Always refer to "CAUTION" of "General Description" in "AIRBAG SYSTEM" before performing service on the airbag module. < Refer to CAUTION , General Description. >
1. Using a hexagon wrench etc. wrapped by protective tape, insert the snap pins and release the locks (3 locations).
  
  Fig 2: Releasing Locks Using Hexagon Wrench
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
2. Disconnect the horn harness and airbag connector and remove the airbag module assembly. < Refer to DRIVER' AIRBAG MODULE, CURTAIN AIRBAG MODULE, PRETENSIONER & LAP SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER , PROCEDURE, Airbag Connector. >
  
  Fig 3: Disconnecting Horn Harness And Airbag Connector
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
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.
Preparation tool:

Steering wheel puller

Fig 4: Locating Steering Wheel Connector And Alignment Marks
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
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: Locating Steering Column Cover Screws
  Courtesy 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 Clips
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
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
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the instrument panel lower cover.
1. Remove the clips, and remove the instrument panel side cover LH.
  
  Fig 8: Identifying Instrument Panel side cover Clips
  Courtesy 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
  Courtesy 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 And Clips
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the bolts, and remove the knee guard panel.

Fig 11: Locating Knee Guard Panel Bolts
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove all connectors from the steering column.
Remove the two bolts under instrument panel securing the steering column.

Fig 12: Locating Steering Column Bolts
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
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.