Steering Column Assembly: Removal

Correct handling and precautions for operation (Refer to POWER STEERING SYSTEM )
Confirm that the front tires are in the straight-ahead position.
Disconnect the battery ground terminal.
WARNING: As the airbag and pretensioner system is equipped with a back-up power supply, if you start work within 60 seconds of disconnecting the battery ground terminal, the airbag may accidently deploy.

CAUTION: To avoid damage to the molding, be sure to fully open the door glasses on both driver's and passenger's sides.
Remove the steering wheel assembly (Refer to REMOVAL )
Remove the instrument side panel LH (Refer to DISASSEMBLY )
Remove the instrument panel under cover sub-assembly No. 1. (Refer to LIGHT CONTROL RHEOSTAT )
Remove the instrument cluster finish panel sub-assembly CTR.
Remove the meter hood sub-assembly.
Remove the instrument panel meter ornament UPR.
Removal of the steering column cover support (with smart entry)
1. Unhook the 4 tabs and remove the steering column hole cover sub-assembly No. 1 (Steering column cover support).
  
  Fig 1: Locating Steering Column Hole Cover Sub-Assembly No. 1 Tabs (Steering Column Cover Support)
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Removal of the steering column cover LWR
1. Remove the two screws.
2. Unhook the six tabs and remove the steering column cover LWR.
  
  Fig 2: Locating Steering Column Cover LWR Tabs And Screws
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Removal of the steering column cover UPR
1. Unhook the two tabs and remove the steering column cover UPR.
  
  Fig 3: Locating Steering Column Cover UPR Tabs
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Removal of the turn signal switch assembly W/Steering roll connector
1. Disconnect each connector from the turn signal switch assembly W/Steering roll connector.
2. Use pliers to loosen the clamp.
3. When the clamp is loose, use a thin flat tip screwdriver to unhook the tabs and remove the turn signal switch assembly W/Steering roll connector from the steering column assembly.
  
  Fig 4: Removing Turn Signal Switch Assembly W/Steering Roll Connector
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Removal of the steering intermediate shaft assembly No. 2
1. Place an alignment mark across the steering sliding yoke sub-assembly and the steering column assembly.
  
  Fig 5: Locating Steering Sliding Yoke Sub-Assembly Alignment Mark And Bolt
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
2. Undo the bolt, and remove the steering sliding yoke sub-assembly from the steering column assembly.
3. Place an alignment mark across the steering sliding yoke sub-assembly and the steering gear assembly.
  
  Fig 6: Locating Steering Sliding Yoke Sub-Assembly Alignment Mark And Bolt
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
4. Undo the bolt, and remove the steering sliding yoke sub-assembly from the steering gear assembly.
5. Unhook the four tabs on the vehicle exterior side and remove the steering sliding yoke sub-assembly from the vehicle interior side.
  
  Fig 7: Locating Steering Sliding Yoke Sub-Assembly Tabs
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the steering column assembly.
1. Disconnect the two connectors from the power steering computer assembly.
  NOTE: As shown in the figure, after pulling out the lock for the lock lever, fold down the lock lever and remove the connector.
  
  Fig 8: Disconnecting Connectors From Power Steering Computer Assembly
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
2. Disconnect the wiring harness clamp from the power steering computer assembly.
3. Undo the two nuts and bolts and remove the steering column assembly from the instrument panel reinforcement assembly.
  NOTE: When pulling out the bolts, removal becomes easier if you lift up the steering column assembly motor section and tilt the steering column assembly.
  
  Fig 9: Locating Steering Column Assembly Nuts And Bolts
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.