Subaru Legacy BN/BS (2015-2019) Service Manual: Steering system (power steering) inspection

Subaru Legacy BN/BS (2015-2019) Service Manual / Periodic maintenance services / Steering system (power steering) inspection

1. STEERING WHEEL

1. Set the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position, and check the wheel spokes to make sure they are correctly set in their specified positions.

2. Lightly turn the steering wheel to the left and right to determine the point where front wheels start to move.

Measure the distance of the movement of steering wheel (periphery).

Steering wheel free play:

0 — 17 mm (0 — 0.67 in)

(1)	Steering wheel free play

Move the steering wheel toward the shaft to check if there is play in the direction.

Play limit:

0.5 mm (0.020 in)

3. Drive the vehicle and check the following items.

(1) Steering force:

The effort required for steering should be smooth and even at all points, and should not vary.

(2) Pulled to one side:

Steering wheel should not be pulled to one side while driving on a level surface.

(3) Wheel runout:

Steering wheel should not show any sign of runout.

(4) Return status:

Steering wheel should return to its original position after it has been turned and then released.

2. STEERING SHAFT JOINT

If steering wheel play is excessive, disconnect the universal joint of steering shaft and then check the play where the joints cross and yawing torque. Also, check the seal for damage or serrations for wear. If the joint is loose, retighten the mounting bolts to the specified torque. Universal Joint

Tightening torque:

24 N·m (2.4 kgf-m, 17.4 ft-lb)

3. GEARBOX

1. Set the steering wheel in the straight position, then rotate it 90° in both the left and right directions.

While steering wheel is being rotated, check the looseness of the gearbox.

Tightening torque:

60 N·m (6.1 kgf-m, 44.3 ft-lb)

2. Check the boot for damage, cracks or deterioration.

3. With the vehicle stopped on a level surface, quickly turn the steering wheel to the left and right.

While steering wheel is being rotated, check the gear backlash. If any noise is noticed, adjust the gear backlash. Electric Power Steering Gearbox > ADJUSTMENT

4. TIE-ROD

1. Check the tie-rod and tie-rod end for bend, cracks or other damages.

(A)	Tie-rod end
(B)	Tie-rod

2. Confirm that the connections of knuckle ball joints for play, and then check for damage on dust boots and free play of ball studs. If castle nut is loose, retighten it to the specified torque, then tighten further up to a maximum of 60° until the cotter pin hole is aligned.

Tightening torque:

27 N·m (2.75 kgf-m, 19.9 ft-lb)

3. Check the tightening of tie-rod end lock nut. If it is loose, tighten it to the specified torque.

Tightening torque:

85 N·m (8.7 kgf-m, 62.7 ft-lb)

5. GEARBOX BOOTS

Inspect both sides of the gearbox boot as follows, and correct the defects if necessary.

1. The (A) and (B) positions of the gearbox boot are fitted in (A) and (C) grooves of gearbox and the rod.

2. Clips are fitted onto the boot grooves to the positions (A) and (B) of the boot.

3. Check that there is no cracks or holes in the boot.

NOTE:

Rotate (B) position of gearbox boot against the torsion produced by the adjustment of toe-in etc.

6. CHECK HARNESS

Check the harness of the electric power steering for cracks or damages.

Replace the electric power steering gear box with a new part if necessary.

7. CHECK POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE

Check for the electric power steering diagnostic trouble codes. If the diagnostic trouble code is detected, perform the diagnosis. Basic Diagnostic Procedure

Replace the steering gear box with a new part if necessary.

Spark plug replacement

Refer to “IG” section for spark plug replacement. Spark Plug Spark Plug ...

Suspension inspection

1. FRONT SUSPENSION BALL JOINT1. Lift up the vehicle until front wheels are off ground.2. Grasp the bottom of tire and move it in and out in axial direction. If movement (B) is observed between the br ...

Other materials:

Check list for interview check
1. CHECK LIST NO. 1Check the following item when problem has occurred.NOTE:Use copies of this page for interviewing customers.Customer’s name Engine No. Date of purchase Fuel type Date of repair Odometer readingkmV.I.N. milesWeather Fine Cloudy Rainy Snowy Various/Others:Ambient air temperatur ...