Steering column ASSY: Removal

Correct handling and precautions for operation (Refer to Power steering system )
Confirmation of front tires in the straight-ahead position
Disconnect the battery ground terminal.
WARNING: As the airbag and pretensioner system is equipped with a backup power supply, if you start work within 60 seconds of disconnecting the battery ground terminal, the airbag may accidently deploy.

CAUTION: To avoid damage to the molding, be sure to fully open the door glasses on both driver's and passenger's sides.
Removal of the steering wheel ASSY (Refer to Removal )
Removal of the instrument side panel LH (Refer to Removal )
Removal of the instrument panel under cover SUB-ASSY No. 1 (Refer to Light control rheostat )
Removal of the instrument panel ornament (Refer to Removal )
Removal of instrument cluster finish panel SUB-ASSY CTR (Refer to Removal )
Removal of instrument cluster finish panel SUB-ASSY (large type) (Refer to Removal )
Remove the meter hood SUB-ASSY.
Remove the instrument panel meter ornament UPR.
Removal of the steering column cover support (with smart entry)
1. Unhook the 4 tabs and remove the steering column hole cover SUB-ASSY No. 1 (Steering column cover support).
Fig 1: Releasing Steering Column Hole Cover SUB-ASSY
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Removal of the steering column cover LWR
1. Remove the two screws.
2. Unhook the six tabs and remove the steering column cover LWR.
Fig 2: Removing Steering Column Cover LWR
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Removal of the steering column cover UPR
1. Unhook the two tabs and remove the steering column cover UPR.
Fig 3: Removing Steering Column Cover UPR
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Removal of the turn signal switch ASSY W/Steering roll connector
1. Disconnect each connector from the turn signal switch ASSY W/Steering roll connector.
2. Use pliers to loosen the clamp.
3. When the clamp is loose, use a thin flat tip screwdriver to unhook the tabs and remove the turn signal switch ASSY W/Steering roll connector from the steering column ASSY.
Fig 4: Locating Turn Signal Switch ASSY W/Steering Roll Connector
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Removal of the steering intermediate shaft ASSY No. 2
1. Place an alignment mark across the steering sliding yoke SUB-ASSY and the steering column ASSY.
  
  Fig 5: Locating Steering Intermediate Shaft ASSY Bolt
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
2. Undo the bolt, and remove the steering sliding yoke SUB-ASSY from the steering column ASSY.
3. Place an alignment mark across the steering sliding yoke SUB-ASSY and the steering gear ASSY.
  
  Fig 6: Placing Alignment Mark Across Steering Sliding Yoke SUB-ASSY
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
4. Undo the bolt, and remove the steering sliding yoke SUB-ASSY from the steering gear ASSY.
5. Unhook the four tabs on the vehicle exterior side and remove the steering sliding yoke SUB-ASSY from the vehicle interior side.
Fig 7: Locating Vehicle Exterior Side Tabs
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the steering column ASSY.
1. Disconnect the two connectors from the power steering computer ASSY.
  NOTE: As shown in the figure, after pulling out the lock for the lock lever, fold down the lock lever and remove the connector.
  
  Fig 8: Disconnecting Power Steering Computer ASSY Connectors
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
2. Disconnect the wiring harness clamp from the power steering computer ASSY.
3. Undo the two nuts and bolts and remove the steering column ASSY from the instrument panel reinforcement ASSY.
  NOTE: When pulling out the bolts, removal becomes easier if you lift up the steering column ASSY motor section and tilt the steering column ASSY.
Fig 9: Locating Steering Column ASSY Nuts And Bolts
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.