Universal Joint: Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Subaru Outback and 2016 Subaru Legacy. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Check for wear, damage or any other faults.

Check the universal joint assembly - steering for excessive looseness.
Service limit:

Play of the universal joint assembly - steering: 0 mm (0 in)

Fig 1: Checking Steering Universal Joint Assembly For Excessive Looseness
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Measure the swing load of the universal joint assembly - steering.
1. Place the universal joint assembly - steering between wooden blocks and fix it on a vise.
2. With the yoke (a) of gearbox side facing up, measure the swing load in two directions.
  
  Fig 2: Measuring Swing Load Of Steering Universal Joint Assembly (With Yoke Of Gearbox Side Facing Up)
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  
  Service limit:
  
  Maximum load:
  
  Except for OUTBACK: 4.5 N (0.46 kgf, 1.01 lbf) or less
  
  OUTBACK: 2.8 N (0.29 kgf, 0.63 lbf) or less
3. With the yoke (b) of the column assembly - steering side facing up, measure the swing load in two directions.
  
  Fig 3: Measuring Swing Load Of Steering Universal Joint Assembly (With Yoke Of Steering Column Assembly Side Facing Up)
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  
  Service limit:
  
  Maximum load: 5.4 N (0.55 kgf, 1.21 lbf) or less
4. Replace as necessary, if it is found defective.