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Steering Column: Removal

CAUTION: Before handling the airbag system components, always refer to "CAUTION" of "General Description" in "AIRBAG SYSTEM". Ref. to AIRBAG SYSTEM>GENERAL DESCRIPTION>CAUTION .
  1. Adjust the tilt position of the steering column to the neutral position and the telescopic position to the longest position.
    NOTE: Place the tilt lever to the lock position after the steering column is adjusted.
  2. Disconnect the ground terminal from the battery sensor, and wait for at least 60 seconds before starting work. Ref. to REPAIR CONTENTS>NOTE>BATTERY .
  3. Remove the cover LWR driver and the cover steering LWR. Ref. to EXTERIOR/INTERIOR TRIM>INSTRUMENT PANEL LOWER COVER>REMOVAL .
  4. Remove the knee airbag module. Ref. to AIRBAG SYSTEM>KNEE AIRBAG MODULE>REMOVAL
  5. Remove the driver's airbag module. Ref. to AIRBAG SYSTEM>DRIVER'S AIRBAG MODULE>REMOVAL
  6. Remove the steering wheel. Ref. to POWER ASSISTED SYSTEM (POWER STEERING)>STEERING WHEEL>REMOVAL 
  7. Remove the column cover assembly.
    1. Release the clips and claws, and remove the cover steering UPR.
    2. Remove the screws.
      G13951525Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    3. Release the claw and the positioning pin, and remove the column cover LWR as shown in the figure.
      NOTE: Release the claws on RH side in the same procedure as on the LH side.
      G13951526Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    4. Release the claw, and remove the column cover UPR as shown in the figure.
    G13951527Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  8. Remove the switch assembly combination.
    1. Disconnect the connector.
    2. Using pliers, loosen the clamp.
    3. With the clamp loosened, release the claw using a flat tip screwdriver wrapped with protective tape, and remove the switch assembly combination.
    CAUTION: Do not pry off forcibly. Otherwise, the claws may be damaged.
    NOTE: Remove the switch assembly combination together with the roll connector as an assembly.
    G13951528Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  9. Remove all connectors from the column assembly steering.
  10. Remove the universal joint assembly steering. Ref. to POWER ASSISTED SYSTEM (POWER STEERING)>UNIVERSAL JOINT>REMOVAL 
    CAUTION: To prevent damage to the universal joint assembly steering and improper steering effort, make sure to remove the universal joint assembly steering.
  11. Remove the nut under the beam COMPL steering which secures the column assembly steering.
    G13951529Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  12. Pull out the column assembly steering from the hole on toe board.
    CAUTION: Do not loosen the tilt lever when the column assembly steering is not secured to the vehicle.
  13. Remove the ignition key lock. Ref. to SECURITY AND LOCKS>IGNITION KEY LOCK>REPLACEMENT .