Steering Wheel Turning Force
- Place vehicle on smooth concrete surface with engine idling. Use a spring gauge to measure steering turning effort. Steering effort should be 6.6 lbs. (3 kg) or less in each direction. If steering effort is not to specification, adjust rack and pinion backlash and retest steering effort. See RACK & PINION BACKLASH
under ADJUSTMENTS.
- Turn engine off. Using a spring gauge, measure steering effort. Steering effort should be 66.2 lbs. (30 kg) or less in each direction. If steering effort is not to specification, adjust rack and pinion backlash and retest steering effort.
- If steering effort is still not to specification, disconnect "U" joint from steering column. With joint removed, steering effort should be 0.51 lbs. (0.23 kg) or less in each direction. If effort is to specification, inspect tie rod ends and ball joints for wear and looseness. Ensure "U" joint is not binding.
- Remove steering gear unit. See STEERING GEAR
under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Measure rotating resistance of steering gear without "U" joint installed. See Fig 1
. Maximum torque allowed is 3.6 lbs. (15.8 N). With inner tie rods removed, measure sliding resistance of rack assembly, using spring/tension scale. Sliding resistance should be 68 lbs. (31 kg) or less, with 20 percent difference between left and right.
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.