Universal Joint: Inspection

Check for wear, damage or any other faults.

1. 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 Universal Joint Assembly Play

   Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
2. 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 Steering Universal Joint Assembly Swing Load

      Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

      Service limit: 

      Maximum load: 

      Except for OUTBACK model: 4.5 N (0.46 kgf, 1.01 lbf) or less 

      OUTBACK model: 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 Steering Universal Joint Assembly Swing Load (Outback Model)

      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.