Check Steering System

Check the following items, and if there is anything out of standard value, it is considered to be damaged.

If so, replace it with a new part.

Deflection of front and rear, upward and downward directions, and mounting condition to vehicle body of the column assembly - steering. (After a collision, absorbing part of the column assembly - steering may have been operated.)
- Measure the whole length of the column assembly - steering.
Standard: Overall length L

Tilt and telescopic column (measure while minimized)

819.7^+1.5_-1.5 mm (32.27^+0.059_-0.059 in)

Fig 1: Identifying Steering Column Assembly Length
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Mounting conditions and deflection of front and rear, upward and downward directions of the steering wheel and column assembly - steering.
- Check the steering wheel deflection in axial and vertical directions.
Specification:

Axial deflection A (deflection of steering wheel)

Less than 6 mm (0.24 in)

Vertical deflection L (runout of steering wheel)

Less than 17 mm (0.68 in)

Fig 2: Checking Steering Wheel Deflection (Axial/Vertical)
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Check for deflection and the swing load of the universal joint assembly - steering. Ref. to POWER ASSISTED SYSTEM (POWER STEERING)>Universal Joint>INSPECTION .
Check the following items for the steering gearbox. Ref. to POWER ASSISTED SYSTEM (POWER STEERING)>Electric Power Steering Gearbox>INSPECTION .
- Rack sliding resistance and deflection
- Input shaft play
- Rotational resistance of gearbox