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Steering Column: Removal

  1. Disconnect the ground cable from battery and wait for at least 60 seconds before starting work. < Ref. to BATTERY , NOTE, Note.>
    NOTE: For the 12 volt engine restart battery of HEV model, disconnect the ground terminal from 12V engine restart battery sensor.
  2. Remove the driver's airbag module.
    CAUTION: Before performing service on the airbag module, always refer to "CAUTION" of "General Description" in "AIRBAG SYSTEM" section. < Ref. to CAUTION , General Description.>
    1. Using a hexagon wrench etc. wrapped by protective tape, insert the snap pins and release the locks (3 locations).
      Fig 1: Removing Driver's Airbag Module
      G08316265Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    2. Disconnect the horn harness and airbag connector, and remove the airbag module.
      Fig 2: Disconnecting Horn Harness And Airbag Connector
      G09483431Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  3. Remove the steering wheel.
    CAUTION:
    • Always use the steering wheel puller for removal to avoid deforming the steering wheel.
    • If the steering wheel has been removed, make sure that the steering roll connector is not turned from the original position.
    1. Disconnect the connector and remove the nut.
    2. Put alignment marks and remove the steering wheel.

    Preparation tool: 

    Steering wheel puller 

    Fig 3: Identifying Steering Wheel Nut
    G08316421Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  4. Remove the clips, and remove the cover - instrument panel side LH.
    Fig 4: Identifying Instrument Panel Cover Clips (LH)
    G08316328Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    NOTE: Using a plastic remover, open the cover - instrument panel side LH.
  5. Remove the cover assembly - instrument panel LWR driver INN and OUT.
    CAUTION: When removing the cover assembly - instrument panel LWR driver, be sure to pull it toward you. If attempting to remove by turning it upward, the claws may be damaged.
    Fig 5: Identifying Proper And Improper Removing Condition Of Instrument Panel Cover Assembly
    G08549807Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    1. Remove the screws and release the clips and claws.
    2. Disconnect the harness connectors, and remove the cover assembly - instrument panel LWR driver INN and OUT.
      Fig 6: Locating Instrument Panel Cover Assembly Clips And Claws
      G08316329Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  6. Remove the nuts to remove the knee airbag module and disconnect the harness connector. < Ref. to KNEE AIRBAG MODULE , PROCEDURE, Airbag Connector.>
    Fig 7: Removing Knee Airbag Module Connector
    G08316330Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  7. Remove the cover assembly - column.
    1. Release the screws and claws.
    2. Remove the cap - key cylinder (a). (Model with keyless access)
    3. Remove the cover assembly - column UPR and the cover assembly - column LWR.
      Fig 8: Locating Column Cover Assembly Screws And Claws
      G09478861Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  8. Remove the switch assembly - combination.
    1. Disconnect the connector, and loosen the clamp to release the claws.
    2. Pull out the switch assembly - combination from the column assembly - steering.
      Fig 9: Locating Combination Switch Assembly
      G08316060Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  9. Remove all connectors from the column assembly - steering.
  10. Remove the universal joint assembly - steering.
    CAUTION: To prevent damage to the universal joint assembly - steering and error of handling force, make sure to remove the universal joint assembly - steering.
    1. Place alignment marks on the universal joint assembly - steering.
      NOTE: Place alignment marks on the following positions.
      • Between the column assembly - steering and the universal joint assembly - steering
      • Between the steering gearbox assembly and the universal joint assembly - steering
    2. Remove the bolt, and remove the universal joint assembly - steering.
      Fig 10: Locating Steering Universal Joint Assembly Bolt
      G08316046Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  11. Remove the two nuts under the beam COMPL - steering securing the column assembly - steering.
    Fig 11: Locating Steering Column Assembly Mounting Nut
    G08316062Courtesy 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 from the column assembly - steering. < Ref. to REPLACEMENT , Ignition Key Lock.>
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