Subaru 2003 Legacy Service Manual page 101

27.Steering System (Power
Steering)
A: INSPECTION
1. STEERING WHEEL
1) Set steering wheel in a straight-ahead position,
and check wheel spokes to make sure they are cor-
rectly 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)
(A) Free play
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.
STEERING SYSTEM (POWER STEERING)
(A)
S U B A R U
S R S A I R B A G
PM-00065
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE SERVICES
2. STEERING SHAFT JOINT
1) When steering wheel free play is excessive, dis-
connect 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, re-
tighten 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)
(A) Boot
(B) Gearbox mounting bolts
2) Check boot for damage, cracks or deterioration.
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-43
PM-00066
(A)
(B)
PM-00067