Power Rack and Pinion Steering Gear

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

Legacy and Legacy Outback Models

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions in the beginning of this section.
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   • Negative battery cable
   • Air intake duct
   • Front axle nut, loosen only at this time
   • Front tire and wheel assemblies
   • Electrical connector from the Oxygen sensor (O2S)
   • Front exhaust pipe assembly
   • Tie rod end cotter pin and loosen the castle nut
   • Tie rod ends from the steering knuckle arm using a ball joint puller
   • Jack up plate and the front stabilizer bar
3. From the power steering rack, remove the center pressure pipe, connect a vinyl hose to the pipe and joint, then turn the steering wheel to discharge the fluid into a container.

   NOTE: When discharging the power steering fluid (line A and B), turn the steering wheel fully, left and right. Be sure to disconnect the other pipe and drain the fluid in the same manner.

4. From the control valve of the gearbox assembly, remove the power steering C and D pressure pipes. Remove pipe D first and pipe C second.
5. If not disconnected when draining the fluid from the control valve of the gearbox assembly, remove the power steering A and B pressure pipes. Remove pipe A first and pipe B second.
6. Remove or disconnect the following:
   • Universal joint assembly. Matchmark the assembly before removal.
   • Power steering gearbox-to-crossmember assembly bolts
   • Gearbox assembly from the vehicle

   To install:

7. Install or connect the following:
   • Power steering rack and tighten the rack to crossmember bolts to 35-52 ft. lbs. (47-70 Nm)
   • Universal joint assembly making sure to align the matchmarks
   • Power steering pressure pipes and tighten to 7-12 ft. lbs. (10-16 Nm)
   • Universal joint assembly-to-power steering gearbox bolts and tighten to 16-19 ft. lbs. (22-24 Nm) and the universal joint assembly-to-steering shaft bolts 16-19 ft. lbs. (22-24 Nm)
   • Tie rod end to steering knuckle nut and tighten to 18-22 ft. lbs. (25-29 Nm). After tightening this nut, turn it no more than 60 degrees further to align the cotter pin hole.
   • New cotter pin
   • Front stabilizer into the vehicle
   • Exhaust Y-pipe and O2S sensor connector
   • Tires and tighten the wheel lug nuts to specification
8. Partially lower the vehicle, then refill and bleed the power steering system.
9. Check for fluid leaks and the fluid level, then install the jack up plate.
10. Check and adjust the toe-in and the steering angle.

Impreza, Impreza Outback and Impreza Outback Sport Models

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions in the beginning of this section.
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   • Negative battery cable
   • Front wheels
   • Front Y-pipe
   • Tie rod end cotter pin and nut
   • Tie rod ends from the steering knuckle using a puller
   • Jack-up plate and front sway bar
   • Fluid lines from the rack and pinion
3. Matchmark the universal joint to the serration in the steering rack for installation reference.
   • Lower and upper universal joint bolts and lift the joint upward, disconnecting it from the rack and pinion shaft
   • Clamp bolts securing the rack and pinion to the crossmember
   • Rack and pinion

     Fig. 2: Exploded view of the steering rack assembly-Impreza models

   To install:

4. Install the rack and pinion. Tighten the clamp bolts to 43 ft. lbs. (59 Nm).
5. Align the steering rack to the universal joint. Push the long yoke of the joint all the way into the serrated position of the steering shaft, setting the bolt hole in the cut-out. Pull the short yoke all the way out of the serrated portion of the rack and pinion, setting the bolt hole in the cut-out. Insert the bolt through the short yoke. Pull the yoke and ensure the bolt is properly engaged in the cut-out. Fasten the short yoke side with the spring washer and bolt, then fasten the yoke side. Tighten the bolts to 17 ft. lbs. (24 Nm).
6. Install or connect the following:
   • Tie rod ends to the steering knuckle
   • Sway bar and jack-up plate
   • Y-pipe with new gaskets and nuts
   • Wheels
7. Fill and bleed the steering system.