Subaru Outback (BR): Steering Column

A: REMOVAL

1) Adjust the tilt position to the lowest position and lock the tilt lever.

2) Remove the driver's airbag module assembly.

1. Push in the snap pin using a hexagon wrench or equivalent wrapped with a protective tape to disengage the locks (3 locations).

2. Disconnect the horn harness and airbag connector and remove the airbag module assembly. <Ref. to AB-21, DRIVER'S AIRBAG MODULE, CURTAIN AIRBAG MODULE & PRETENSIONER, PROCEDURE, Airbag Connector.>

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 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.

4) Remove the steering column cover.

1. Lower the lever of the steering column.
2. Release the claws and remove the screws, then detach the steering column lower cover.

3. Separate the steering column upper cover and steering upper cover, and remove the steering column upper cover.

5) Remove the universal joint.

CAUTION: To prevent damage to the universal joint and error of handling force, make sure to remove the universal joint.

1. Place alignment marks on universal joint.
2. Remove the universal joint bolt and remove the universal joint.

6) Remove the instrument panel lower cover.

1. Remove the clips, and remove the instrument panel side cover LH.

2. Remove the clips and data link connector, and remove the instrument panel lower cover under.

3. Remove the screws and clips and release the claws, and remove the instrument panel lower cover while disconnecting the harness connectors.

7) Remove the bolts, and remove the knee guard panel.

8) Remove all connectors from the steering column.

9) Remove the two bolts under instrument panel securing the steering column.

10) Pull out the steering shaft assembly from the hole on toe board.

CAUTION: Do not loosen the tilt lever when the steering column is not secured to the vehicle.

B: INSTALLATION

1) Install the grommet to the toe board.

2) Insert the end of the steering shaft into the toe board grommet.

3) Tighten the steering column installation bolt located under the instrument panel with the tilt lever fixed.

Tightening torque: 20 N*m (2.04 kgf-m, 14.8 ft-lb)

4) Connect all the connectors under the instrument panel.

5) Connect the airbag system connector.

6) Install the instrument panel lower cover.

7) Install the universal joint. <Ref. to PS-22, INSTALLATION, Universal Joint.>

CAUTION:

• Always install the universal joint after installing the steering column to avoid damage to the universal joint.
• Be sure to follow the tightening order and tightening torque of universal joint to avoid the steering effort from becoming heavy.

8) Align the center position of the roll connector. <Ref. to AB-101, ADJUSTMENT, Roll Connector.>

9) Install the steering wheel. <Ref. to PS-18, INSTALLATION, Steering Wheel.>

C: DISASSEMBLY

1) Remove the steering column cover.

1. Lower the lever of the steering column.
2. Release the claws and remove the screws, then detach the steering column lower cover.

3. Separate the steering column upper cover and steering upper cover, and remove the steering column upper cover.

2) Remove the screw and remove the combination switch.

D: ASSEMBLY

Assemble each part in the reverse order of disassembly.

Tightening torque:
Combination switch: 3.5 N*m (0.36 kgf-m, 2.6 ft-lb)
Column cover: 1.2 N*m (0.12 kgf-m, 0.9 ft-lb)

E: INSPECTION

1. BASIC INSPECTION

Measure the overall length of steering column. If not within specification, replace it.

Standard: Overall length L

Tilt and telescopic column (measure while minimized): 816.9+1.5 -1.5 mm (32.2+0.059 -0.059 in)

2. INSPECTION OF AIRBAG SYSTEM

Refer to "Airbag System" for airbag inspection procedure. <Ref. to AB-36, INSTALLATION, Driver's Airbag Module.>

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