Steering column ASSY: Disassembly

Removal of the steering column upper W/switch bracket ASSY (without smart entry)
1. Secure the steering column ASSY in a vise between aluminum plates.
  CAUTION: Do not close the vise too strongly.
2. Use a drill to make a hole with a reverse tap in the steering lock set bolt head.
3. Use the reverse tap to pull out the steering lock set bolt and remove the steering column upper W/switch bracket ASSY.
Fig 1: Removing Steering Lock Set Bolt Using Reverse Tap
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Removal of the ignition or starter switch ASSY (without smart entry)
1. Undo the two screws and remove the ignition or starter switch ASSY from the steering column upper bracket.
  CAUTION:
  - When doing this, please ensure that the ignition or starter switch ASSY is on the top and the steering column upper bracket is on the bottom side.
  - Inspect the condition of the press-fit areas marked by the arrows and replace the steering column upper bracket with a new part if you notice any play or unsteadiness.
  Fig 2: Locating Starter Switch ASSY Screws
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Removal of the key interlock solenoid (without smart entry, Transmission A/T)
1. Undo the two screws and remove the key interlock solenoid from the steering column bracket ASSY UPR.
2. Release the clamp and disconnect the connector.
  
  Fig 3: Locating Key Interlock Solenoid Screws
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Removal of the transponder key amplifier
1. Use a thin flat tip screwdriver wrapped with protection tape to unhook the two tabs and remove the transponder key amplifier from the steering column bracket ASSY UPR.
Fig 4: Removing Transponder Key Amplifier Using Thin Flat Tip Screwdriver
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Removal of the unlock warning switch ASSY (without smart entry)
1. Insert the key.
2. Unhook the two tabs and remove the unlock warning switch ASSY.
  NOTE: Remove the unlock warning switch ASSY by sliding it in the direction indicated by the arrows in the diagram.
  
  Fig 5: Removing Unlock Warning Switch ASSY
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Removal of the ignition switch lock cylinder ASSY (without smart entry)
1. Turn the ignition switch lock cylinder ASSY to the ACC position.
2. Insert a thin flat tip screwdriver into the hole in the steering column upper bracket, as indicated in the diagram, and pull until the tab on the ignition switch lock cylinder ASSY comes into contact with the steering column upper bracket stopper.
  
  Fig 6: Turning Ignition Switch Lock Cylinder ASSY To ACC Position
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  
  CAUTION: If you don't sufficiently pull until the tab on the ignition switch lock cylinder ASSY comes into contact with the steering column upper bracket stopper, it may interfere with the next process. Please ensure that it is fully in contact with the stopper.
3. Insert a thin flat tip screwdriver into the hole in the steering column upper bracket, as indicated in the diagram. Pull down the screwdriver in the direction indicated by the arrow in the diagram, and unhook the ignition switch lock cylinder ASSY tabs. Remove the ignition switch lock cylinder ASSY.
Fig 7: Unhooking Ignition Switch Lock Cylinder ASSY Tabs
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Removal of the steering lock actuator ASSY (with smart entry)
1. Secure the steering column ASSY in a vise between aluminum plates.
  CAUTION: Do not close the vise too strongly.
2. Use a drill to make a hole with a reverse tap in the steering lock set bolt head.
3. Use the reverse tap to pull out the steering lock set bolt and remove the steering lock actuator ASSY.
Fig 8: Pulling Out Steering Lock Set Bolt Using Reverse Tap
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.