Subaru 2009 IMPREZA Service Manual page 108

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)
(1) 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) Pulled 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)
(1)
PS-00450
PM-44
2. STEERING SHAFT JOINT
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)
PM-00392