Universal Joint: Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek and 2015 Subaru Impreza. 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 torque 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 torque in two directions.
  
  Fig 2: Measuring Swing Torque Of Steering Universal Joint Assembly
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  
  Service limit:
  
  Maximum load: 3.8 N (0.39 kgf, 0.86 lbf) or less
3. With the yoke (b) of column assembly - steering side facing up, measure the swing torque in two directions.
  
  Fig 3: Measuring Swing Torque Of Steering Column Assembly
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  
  Service limit:
  
  Maximum load: 7.3 N (0.74 kgf, 1.64 lbf) or less
4. Replace as necessary, if it is found defective.