Unit Inspection

Inspect the steering column ASSY.
1. Preload inspection
  1. As shown in the diagram, secure the steering column ASSY in a vise between cloth or aluminum plates.
    
    Fig 1: Securing Steering Column Assembly With Cloth And Wooden Block Using Vise
    Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    CAUTION:
    Do not close the vise too strongly as it may cause deformation to the steering column ASSY.
    
    Place a wooden block to prevent the steering column ASSY from falling.
  2. Use a SST and a torque wrench to measure the rotational torque when rotating it at a constant speed of approximately one turn every four seconds.
    SST 09616-00011
    
    Standard value: Preload
    
    T=1.6 - 2.1N.m {16.3 - 21.4kgf.cm} {1.2 - 1.5 ft.lbf}
    
    CAUTION: Make sure that there is no abnormal sticking during rotation. If it is not within specification, replace the steering column ASSY with a new part.
2. Bushing inspection.
  1. Confirm that the two steering column ASSY bushings are securely installed.
    If you find any bushing that is deformed, damaged, or detached, replace the steering column ASSY with a new part.
    
    Fig 2: Checking Steering Column Assembly Bushings
    Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
3. Capsule inspection.
  1. Confirm that the two steering column ASSY capsules are securely installed.
    
    Fig 3: Identifying Steering Column Assembly Capsules
    Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    
    Criteria: 5 mm {0.20 in} or more
    CAUTION:
    If it does not meet the standard, replace the steering column ASSY with a new part.
    
    If you find any capsule that is deformed, damaged, or detached, replace the steering column ASSY with a new part.
Inspect the steering intermediate shaft ASSY No. 2.
1. Looseness inspection.
  1. Inspect the universal joint area for excessive looseness.
    Standard value: 0 mm {0 in}
    
    NOTE: If it is not within the specified value, replace the steering intermediate shaft ASSY No. 2 with a new part.
    
    Fig 4: Inspecting Universal Joint Area For Excessive Looseness
    Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
2. Folding torque inspection.
  1. Arrange the steering intermediate shaft ASSY No. 2 so that the yoke on the rack and pinion power steering gear ASSY side is orientated up, and secure it in a vise between objects such as wooden blocks.
  2. Use a push-pull gauge to measure the folding torque in both directions.
    
    Fig 5: Measuring Folding Torque Of Steering Gear Assembly Side Yoke
    Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    
    Standard value: T = 6.6 N {0.67 kgf} {1.48 lbf} or less.
    
    NOTE: If it is not within the specified value, replace the steering intermediate shaft ASSY No. 2 with a new part.
  3. Arrange the steering intermediate shaft ASSY No. 2 so that the yoke on the steering column ASSY side is orientated up, and secure it in a vise between objects such as wooden blocks.
  4. Use a push-pull gauge to measure the folding torque in both directions.
    
    Fig 6: Measuring Folding Torque Of Steering Column Assembly Side Yoke
    Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    
    Standard value: T = 6.0 N {0.61 kgf} {1.35 lbf} or less.
    
    NOTE: If it is not within the specified value, replace the steering intermediate shaft ASSY No. 2 with a new part.