Steering Column: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2014 Subaru Forester. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Disconnect the ground cable from battery and wait for at least 60 seconds before starting work.
Remove the driver's airbag module.
CAUTION: Before performing service on the airbag module, always refer to "CAUTION" of "General Description" in "AIRBAG SYSTEM" article. < Ref. to CAUTION , General Description. >
1. Using a hexagon wrench etc. wrapped by protective tape, insert the snap pins and release the locks (3 locations).
  
  Fig 1: Identifying Airbag Module Snap Pins
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
2. Disconnect the horn harness and airbag connector and remove the airbag module assembly. < Ref. to DRIVER'S AIRBAG MODULE, KNEE AIRBAG MODULE, CURTAIN AIRBAG MODULE AND PRETENSIONER , PROCEDURE, Airbag Connector. >
  
  Fig 2: Disconnecting Horn Harness And Airbag Connector
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the steering wheel.
CAUTION:
- Always use the steering wheel puller for removal to avoid deforming the steering wheel.
- If the steering wheel has been removed, make sure that the steering roll connector is not turned from the original position.
Preparation tool:

Steering wheel puller
1. Disconnect the connector and remove the nut.
2. Put alignment marks and remove the steering wheel.
  
  Fig 3: Locating Alignment Marks And Connector
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the cover assembly - instrument panel LWR driver. < Ref. to REMOVAL , Instrument Panel Lower Cover. >
Remove the nuts to remove the knee airbag module and disconnect the harness connector. < Ref. to DRIVER'S AIRBAG MODULE, KNEE AIRBAG MODULE, CURTAIN AIRBAG MODULE AND PRETENSIONER , PROCEDURE, Airbag Connector. >

Fig 4: Locating Knee Airbag Module Nuts
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the cover assembly - column.
1. Release the screws and claws.
2. Remove the cap - key cylinder (a). (Model with keyless access)
3. Remove the cover assembly - column UPR and the cover assembly - column LWR.
  
  Fig 5: Removing Column Cover Assembly
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the switch assembly - combination.
1. Disconnect the connector, and loosen the clamp to release the claws.
2. Pull out the switch assembly - combination from the column assembly - steering.
  
  Fig 6: Removing Combination Switch Assembly
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove all connectors from the column assembly - steering.
Remove the universal joint assembly - steering.
CAUTION: To prevent damage to the universal joint assembly - steering and error of handling force, make sure to remove the universal joint assembly - steering.
1. Place alignment marks on the universal joint assembly - steering.
  NOTE: Place alignment marks on the following positions.
  - Between the column assembly - steering and the universal joint assembly - steering
  - Between the steering gearbox assembly and the universal joint assembly - steering
2. Remove the bolt, and remove the universal joint assembly - steering.
  
  Fig 7: Locating Universal Joint Assembly Bolts
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the two nuts under the beam COMPL - steering securing the column assembly - steering.

Fig 8: Locating Steering Column Assembly Bolts
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Pull out the column assembly - steering from the hole on toe board.
CAUTION: Do not loosen the tilt lever when the column assembly - steering is not secured to the vehicle.
Remove the ignition key lock from the column assembly - steering. < Ref. to REPLACEMENT , Ignition Key Lock. >