Unit Inspection

Inspection of the steering column assembly
1. Preload inspection
  1. As shown in the diagram, secure the steering column assembly in a vise between cloth or aluminum plates.
    
    Fig 1: Inspecting Steering Column Assembly
    Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    CAUTION:
    Do not close the vise too strongly as it may cause deformation to the steering column assembly.
    
    Place a wooden block to prevent the steering column assembly 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 assembly with a new part.
2. Bushing inspection
  1. Confirm that the two steering column assembly bushings are securely installed.
    If you find any bushing that is deformed, damaged, or detached, replace the steering column assembly with a new part.
    
    Fig 2: Locating Steering Column Assembly Bushings
    Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
3. Capsule inspection.
  1. Confirm that the two steering column assembly capsules are securely installed.
    
    Fig 3: Checking 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 assembly with a new part.
    
    If you find any capsule that is deformed, damaged, or detached, replace the steering column assembly with a new part.
Inspection of the steering intermediate shaft assembly 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 assembly No. 2 with a new part.
    
    Fig 4: Inspecting Steering Intermediate Shaft Assembly No. 2
    Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
2. Folding torque inspection
  1. Arrange the steering intermediate shaft assembly No. 2 so that the yoke on the rack and pinion power steering gear assembly 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: Inspecting Folding Torque
    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 assembly No. 2 with a new part.
  3. Arrange the steering intermediate shaft assembly No. 2 so that the yoke on the steering column assembly 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
    Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    
    Standard value: T = 6.0N {0.61 kgf} {1.35 lbf} or less.
    
    NOTE: If it is not within the specified value, replace the steering intermediate shaft assembly No. 2 with a new part.