Electric Power Steering Gearbox: Assembly

Install the tie-rod into rack.
NOTE: Check the mating face of rack and tie-rod for foreign matter such as dust etc.

Tightening torque:

125 N.m (12.7 kgf-m, 92.2 ft-lb)
Apply a coat of grease to the tie-rod groove, and then install the steering gearbox boot to the housing.
CAUTION: Assemble the small end of the steering gearbox boot in the tie-rod groove first, and then assemble the large end of the steering gearbox boot in the housing.

NOTE: Make sure that the steering gearbox boot is installed without unusual inflation or deflation.

Preparation items:

Grease: Renolit JP 1619, IDEMITSU APOLLOIL AUTOLEX A or equivalent

Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Using the boot clamp pliers, crimp a new band boot (A) so that the clearance (B) of the boot crimp portion becomes 1.3 - 7.7 mm (0.05 - 0.3 in).

Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Fix the end of the steering gearbox boot with clip boot tie-rod (A).
After installation, check that the end of the steering gearbox boot is installed to the groove (B) of the tie-rod.

Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
If the tie-rod end has been removed, screw in lock nut and tie-rod end to the threaded portion of tierod, and tighten the lock nut temporarily in a position as shown in the figure.
Installed tie-rod length L:

Impreza model: 17.6 mm (0.69 in)

Crosstrek model (except for WILDERNESS): 25.3 mm (1 in)

Crosstrek model (WILDERNESS): 23.2 mm (0.91 in)

Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Inspect the steering gearbox assembly as follows:
1. "A" Holding the tie-rod end, repeat lock to lock several times as quickly as possible.
2. "B" Holding the tie-rod end, turn it slowly at a radius several times as large as possible.
3. Finally, make sure that the steering gearbox boot is installed in the specified position without inflating.
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.