Steering System (Power Steering) - Subaru IMPREZA 2002 Service Manual

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STEERING SYSTEM (POWER STEERING)
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE SERVICES
25.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 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)
I
-Free
play
G10074A
Move the steering wheel vertically toward the shaft
to ascertain if there is play in the direction.
Maximum permissible play:
3 ) Drive the vehicle and check the following items
during operation.
0.5 mm (0.020 in)
(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.
0.5 mm (0.020 in)
Maximum permissible play:
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 ff-lb)
3. GEARBOX
1) With wheels placed on a level surface, turn the
steering wheel 90" in both the left and right direc-
tions.
While the wheel is being rotated, reach under vehi-
cle and check for looseness in gearbox.
Tigh tening torque:
59 N-m (6.0 kgf-m, 43.4 ff-lb)
2) Check the boot for damage, cracks or deteriora-
tion.
3) With vehicle on a level surface, quickly turn
steering wheel to the left and right.
While 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 adjusting screw to 7.4 N.m (0.75
kgf-m, 5.4 ft-lb) and then loosen. Repeat this op-
eration twice.
(2) Retighten adjusting screw to 7.4 N.m (0.75
kgf-m, 5.4 ft-lb) and back off 25".
PM-35