Subaru Legacy 2002 Service Manual page 99

Periodic Maintenance Services
26. Steering System (Power
Steering)
SA07701
A: INSPECTION
1. STEERING WHEEL
1) Set steering wheel in a straight-ahead position,
and check wheel spokes to make sure they are
correctly set in their specified positions.
2) Lightly turn 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 at the outer periphery of wheel.
Steering wheel free play:
0 — 17 mm (0 — 0.67 in)
Move steering wheel vertically toward the shaft to
ascertain if there is play in the direction.
Maximum permissible play:
0.5 mm (0.020 in)
3) Drive vehicle and check the following items dur-
ing operation.
(1) Steering force ..............
The effort required for steering should be
smooth and even at all points, and should not
vary.
(2) Pull to one side ............
Steering wheel should not be pulled to either
side while driving on a level surface.
(3) Wheel runout ................
Steering wheel should not show any sign of
runout.
(4) Return factor ...............
Steering wheel should return to its original posi-
tion after it has been turned and then released.
Maximum permissible play:
0.5 mm (0.020 in)
STEERING SYSTEM (POWER STEERING)
SA07701A10
SA07701A1001
GI0074A
2. STEERING SHAFT JOINT
1) When steering wheel free play is excessive,
disconnect universal joint of steering shaft and
check it for any play and yawing torque (at the
point of the crossing direction). Also inspect for any
damage to sealing or worn serrations. If the joint is
loose, retighten the mounting bolts to the specified
torque.
Tightening torque:
24 N·m (2.4 kgf-m, 17.4 ft-lb)
3. GEARBOX
1) With wheels placed on a level surface, turn
steering wheel 90° in both the left and right direc-
tions.
While wheel is being rotated, reach under vehicle
and check for looseness in gearbox.
Tightening torque:
59 N·m (6.0 kgf-m, 43.4 ft-lb)
2) Check boot for damage, cracks or deterioration.
PM-38
SA07701A1002
SA07701A1003
GI0075A
GI0076A