Measurement Of Steering Effort

Does the steering warning light illuminate?

Yes  : Using Subaru Select Monitor, read the DTC and inspect according to it. Refer to Power Steering (Diagnostics)>Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) .

No  : Go to  2.

1. Using Subaru Select Monitor, display the data of [EPS operating condition]. Refer to Power Steering (Diagnostics)>Data Monitor .
2. Connect the Subaru Select Monitor, and turn the steering wheel. (One lock to lock)

Is the [EPS operating condition] normal without displaying any DTC code?

Yes  : Go to  3.

No  : If the [EPS operating condition] is "Assist limitation", stop the engine for approx. 30 minutes and perform the procedures from step 1 again.

1. Stop the vehicle on paved road.
2. Set the tire air pressure to the specification.
3. Start the engine.
4. Run the engine at idle.
5. Install a spring scale on the steering wheel.
6. Pull the spring scale at a right angle to the steering wheel, and measure both right and left steering wheel efforts.

   Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Is the steering effort less than 31 N (3.2 kgf, 7 lbf)?

Yes  : Go to  4.

No  : Go to  8.

1. Stop the engine.
2. Pull the spring scale at a right angle to the steering wheel, and measure both right and left steering wheel efforts.

Is the steering effort less than 294.2 N (30 kgf, 66.2 lbf)?

Yes  : Go to  5.

No  : Perform the inspection or adjustment around the suspension part.

1. Display the data of [Torque sensor main output] and [Torque sensor sub output] using Subaru Select Monitor. Refer to Power Steering (Diagnostics)>Data Monitor .
2. Read the value of torque sensor.
   NOTE: When measuring, place the steering wheel at the center position.

Is the torque value ±0.75 N.m (0.08 kgf-m, 0.55 ft-lb)?

Yes  : Go to  6.

No  : Replace the gearbox assembly. Refer to POWER ASSISTED SYSTEM (POWER STEERING)>Electric Power Steering Gearbox .

1. Remove the universal joint assembly steering.
2. Display the data of [Torque sensor main output] and [Torque sensor sub output] using Subaru Select Monitor. Refer to Power Steering (Diagnostics)>Data Monitor .
3. Read the value of torque sensor.

Is the torque value ±0.75 N.m (0.08 kgf-m, 0.55 ft-lb)?

Yes  : Go to  7.

No  : Replace the gearbox assembly. Refer to POWER ASSISTED SYSTEM (POWER STEERING)>Electric Power Steering Gearbox .

1. Remove the universal joint assembly steering.
   NOTE: Check that the universal joint assembly steering moves up and down smoothly without installing the bolt. Then tighten the bolts first on the gearbox side and then on the column shaft side.
2. Display the data of [Torque sensor main output] and [Torque sensor sub output] using Subaru Select Monitor. Refer to Power Steering (Diagnostics)>Data Monitor .
3. Read the value of torque sensor.

Is the torque value ±0.75 N.m (0.08 kgf-m, 0.55 ft-lb)?

Yes  : Go to  8.

No  : Check the universal joint assembly steering. Refer to POWER ASSISTED SYSTEM (POWER STEERING)>Universal Joint>INSPECTION .

1. Remove the universal joint assembly steering.
2. Measure the steering wheel effort.

Is the steering effort less than 2.26 N (0.23 kgf, 0.51 lbf)?

Yes  : Go to  9.

No  : Replace the column assembly steering. Refer to POWER ASSISTED SYSTEM (POWER STEERING)>Steering Column .

Measure the steering wheel effort.

Is the difference of steering effort between right and left less than 20%?

Yes  : Go to  10.

No  : Replace the steering column. Refer to POWER ASSISTED SYSTEM (POWER STEERING)>Steering Column .

Measure the swing torque of joint. (Yoke of steering column side) Refer to POWER ASSISTED SYSTEM (POWER STEERING)>Universal Joint>INSPECTION .

Is the swing torque of the universal joint assembly steering 5.4 N (0.55 kgf, 1.21 lbf) or less?

Yes  : Go to  11.

No  : Replace the universal joint assembly steering with a new part. Refer to POWER ASSISTED SYSTEM (POWER STEERING)>Universal Joint .

Measure the swing torque of joint. (Yoke of gearbox side) Refer to POWER ASSISTED SYSTEM (POWER STEERING)>Universal Joint>INSPECTION .

Sedan model: Is the swing torque of the universal joint assembly steering 4.5 N (0.46 kgf, 1.01 lbf) or less?

OUTBACK model: Is the swing torque of the universal joint assembly steering 2.8 N (0.29 kgf, 0.63 lbf) or less?

Yes  : Go to  12.

No  : Replace the universal joint assembly steering with a new part. Refer to POWER ASSISTED SYSTEM (POWER STEERING)>Universal Joint .

Check the front wheels.

Does the front wheels have unsteady revolution or rattling, or does the brake drag?

Yes  : Inspect, readjust and replace if necessary.

No  : Go to  13.

Remove the tie-rod and tie-rod ends.

Does the tie-rod and tie-rod end have unsteady revolution, swing or rattling?

Yes  : Inspect and replace if necessary.

No  : Go to  14.

Remove the ball joint.

Does the ball joints of suspension have unsteady revolution or rattling?

Yes  : Inspect and replace if necessary.

No  : Go to  15.

Measure the rotating of gearbox. Refer to POWER ASSISTED SYSTEM (POWER STEERING)>Electric Power Steering Gearbox>INSPECTION>ROTATIONAL RESISTANCE OF GEARBOX .

Is the rotational resistance of the steering gearbox 20 N (2 kgf, 4.5 lbf) or less? Is the difference between the right and left rotational resistances equal to or less than 20%?

Yes  : Go to  16.

No  : Replace the gearbox assembly. Refer to POWER ASSISTED SYSTEM (POWER STEERING)>Electric Power Steering Gearbox .

Measure the sliding of gearbox. Refer to POWER ASSISTED SYSTEM (POWER STEERING)>Electric Power Steering Gearbox>INSPECTION>LIMIT .

Is the sliding resistance of the steering gearbox equal to or less than 360 N (36.7 kgf, 80.9 lbf)? Is the difference between right and left sliding resistances equal to or less than 20%?

Yes  : Steering effort is normal.

No  : Replace the gearbox assembly. Refer to POWER ASSISTED SYSTEM (POWER STEERING)>Electric Power Steering Gearbox .