Steering System (Power Steering) - Subaru Impreza 2003 Service Manual

26.Steering System (Power
Steering)
A: INSPECTION
1. STEERING WHEEL
1) Set the steering wheel in a straight-ahead posi-
tion, and check the wheel spokes to make sure
they are correctly set in their specified positions.
2) Lightly turn the steering wheel to the right and
left 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)
S U B A R U
(A) Steering wheel free play
Move the 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 the vehicle and check the following items
during 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.

STEERING SYSTEM (POWER STEERING)

(A)
SRS AIRBAG
PM-00065
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE SERVICES
2. STEERING SHAFT JOINT
1) When the steering wheel free play is excessive,
disconnect the 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 dam-
age 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 the
steering wheel 90° in both the right and left direc-
tions.
While the wheel is being rotated, reach under the
vehicle and check for looseness in gearbox.
Tightening torque:
59 N·m (6.0 kgf-m, 43.4 ft-lb)
(A) Boot
(B) Gear box mounting bolt
2) Check the boot for damage, cracks or deteriora-
tion.
3) With the vehicle on a level surface, quickly turn
the steering wheel to the right and left.
While the steering wheel is being rotated, check the
gear backlash. If any unusual noise is noticed, ad-
just the gear backlash in the following manner.
(1) Tighten the adjusting screw to 7.4 N·m (0.75
kgf-m, 5.4 ft-lb) and then loosen. Repeat this op-
eration twice.
PM-47
PM-00066
(A)
(B)
PM-00067