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Home >> Subaru >> 2021 >> WRX Base >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Suspension >> Wheel Alignment >> Front Suspension System And Wheel Alignment >> Front Crossmember >> Removal
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Front Crossmember: Removal

CAUTION: For electric power steering model, be careful of the following items.
  • The power steering control module continues to operate after the engine stops and calculates the temperature in the control module. Therefore, before starting service of the power steering system which requires disconnection of the connector, stop the engine and allow approx. 30 minutes until the control module becomes cold.
  • Be careful not to let any foreign matter (dust, water, oil, etc.) enter into the power steering control module connector when removing or installing. If a foreign matter enters, completely remove it.
  1. Disconnect the ground terminal from battery. Refer to NOTE>NOTE>BATTERY .
    NOTE: For model with battery sensor, disconnect the ground terminal from battery sensor.
  2. Lift up the vehicle, and then remove the front wheels.
  3. Remove the under cover - front. Refer to EXTERIOR/INTERIOR TRIM>FRONT UNDER COVER>REMOVAL .
  4. Remove the universal joint assembly - steering. Refer to POWER ASSISTED SYSTEM (POWER STEERING)>UNIVERSAL JOINT>REMOVAL .
  5. Change the hood stay location from (A) to (B) to open the front hood completely.

    Tightening torque: 

    20 N.m (2 kgf-m, 14.8 ft-lb)

    G13259785Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  6. Remove the V-belt covers. (STI model)
  7. Remove the collector cover. (Except for STI model) Refer to INTAKE (INDUCTION) (W/O STI)>COLLECTOR COVER>REMOVAL .
  8. Disconnect the connector and harness clamp from the steering gearbox. (Electric power steering model)
  9. Disconnect the power steering hose from the steering gearbox. (Hydraulic power steering model)
  10. Remove the engine mounting and the crossmember assembly.
    1. Support the engine with a lifting device and wire ropes.
    2. While lifting up the vehicle, also raise up the lifting device simultaneously.
      CAUTION: Be careful not to damage the vehicle with a lifting device or wire ropes.
      G08316851Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    3. Raise up the lifting device, and lift the engine body by approx. 10 mm (0.39 in).
    4. Attach the sling belt so that it wraps around the both frames using the shackle.
      CAUTION:
      • Be sure to attach the sling belt to ensure safety in operation.
      • Use a sling belt with the length of 2 m (6.6 ft), the width of 35 - 40 mm (1.38 - 1.57 in) and the load capacity of 1 t (2205 lb) or more.
        G06654889Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
      • Use a shackle with the load capacity of 0.5 t (1103 lb) or more.
      G06654884Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    5. Remove the nuts which secure the engine mounting to the front crossmember assembly.
    G10269425Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  11. Remove the front crossmember support and the support plate - front crossmember. Refer to FRONT SUSPENSION>FRONT CROSSMEMBER SUPPORT PLATE>REMOVAL .
  12. Remove the center exhaust pipe. (Except for STI model) Refer to EXHAUST(W/O STI)>CENTER EXHAUST PIPE>REMOVAL .
  13. Remove the front stabilizer. Refer to FRONT SUSPENSION>FRONT STABILIZER>REMOVAL .
  14. Disconnect the tie-rod end.
    1. Pull out the cotter pin (a).
    2. Remove the castle nut (b).
    3. Using a tie-rod ball joint puller, remove the tie-rod end (c).

      Preparation tool: 

      Tie-rod ball joint puller

    G13642484Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  15. Remove the front arm assembly. Refer to FRONT SUSPENSION>FRONT ARM>REMOVAL .
  16. Remove the front crossmember assembly.
    CAUTION:
    • When lowering the transmission jack, make sure that the tie-rod end and the drive shaft boot do not interfere. The drive shaft boot may be damaged.
    • The front crossmember assembly is heavy. Make sure that it is firmly supported so that it is level.
    1. Support the front crossmember assembly from the bottom side using a transmission jack.
    2. Remove the bolts which secure the front crossmember assembly to the body.
    3. Lower the transmission jack slowly, and then lower the front crossmember assembly together with the steering gearbox assembly.
    4. Remove the steering gearbox assembly from the front crossmember assembly.
G10269427Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
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