Steering Column: Removal & Installation Subaru Impreza GC/GF

Removal

1. Before proceeding, follow air bag service precautions. See «SERVICE PRECAUTIONS»(ref-54107-S28380884102001011600000) . Disable SRS and ensure front wheels are in a straight-ahead position.. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM in appropriate article: «AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM»(ref-35735) - 1995. «AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM»(ref-35736) - 1996.
2. Disconnect combination switch connectors. Remove covers from both sides of steering wheel. Disconnect air bag module and horn connectors. Remove 4 Torx bolts securing air bag module to steering wheel. Remove air bag module.

Installation

To install air bag module, reverse removal procedure. Use new air bag module-to-steering wheel Torx bolts. Ensure wiring harness and connectors are routed in original locations. After installation procedure is complete, reactivate SRS. Check AIR BAG warning light to ensure system is functioning properly. See AIR BAG SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK in appropriate article

1. «AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM»(ref-35735) - 1995.
2. «AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM»(ref-35736) - 1996.

Removal & Installation

Remove air bag. See AIR BAG MODULE . Remove steering wheel nut. Remove wheel from shaft using steering wheel puller. To install, reverse removal procedure. Torque fasteners to specifications. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.

Remove air bag module. See AIR BAG MODULE . Mark steering wheel-to-main shaft location for installation reference. Using a steering wheel puller, remove steering wheel. Remove upper and lower steering column covers. Remove 2 retaining screws and combination switch assembly.

Ensure front wheels are still in straight-ahead position. Ensure combination switch is in OFF position. Install combination switch. Center clockspring. See CLOCKSPRING under ADJUSTMENTS. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. After installation procedure is complete, reactivate SRS. Check AIR BAG warning light to ensure system is functioning properly. See AIR BAG SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK in appropriate article

1. «AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM»(ref-35735) - 1995.
2. «AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM»(ref-35736) - 1996.

Remove steering column. See STEERING COLUMN . Cut off bolt connecting upper and lower portions of ignition switch. Remove ignition switch. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten connecting bolts until heads twist off.

1. Disable SRS. Mark shaft and "U" joint for reassembly. Remove "U" joint clamp bolt. Remove trim panel and air duct from under instrument panel. Separate shaft from "U" joint.
2. Unplug ignition switch and combination switch connectors. Remove upper and lower bracket bolts. Remove steering column toward passenger compartment.

1. Insert column through floorboard into "U" joint. Install and tighten upper bracket bolt into instrument panel. Install air duct and trim panel.
2. Install and tighten lower column bolts. Connect electrical connectors. Tighten "U" joint clamp bolt. Reactivate SRS. Check operation of steering wheel and switches.

Note. Steering column is not serviceable. If steering column length is not as specified, replace as complete assembly.

STEERING COLUMN LENGTH