General Diagnostic Table: Inspection: Notes

2014 Subaru Legacy 2.5i, Automatic CVT TransSECTION Notes
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2014 Subaru Forester. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Trouble Possible cause Corrective action
  • Steering effort is heavy in all ranges.
  • Steering effort is heavy at stand still.
  • Steering wheel vibrates when turning.
1. Tire and wheel
  • Improper tire out of specifications
  • Improper wheel out of specification
  • Tires not properly inflated
Replace or reinflate.
2. Measure the steering wheel effort. < Ref. to TURNING RESISTANCE OF GEARBOX , INSPECTION, Electric Power Steering Gearbox. > Adjust or replace.
  • Vehicle leads to one side or the other.
  • Returning force of steering wheel to center is poor.
  • Steering wheel vibrates when turning.
1. Tire and wheel
  • Flat tire
  • Mixed use of different tires
  • Mixed use of different wheels
  • Abnormal wear of tire
  • Unequal tread remaining
  • Unequal pressure of tire
Adjust, fix or replace.
2. Front wheel alignment
  • Improper or unequal caster
  • Improper or unequal toe-in
  • Loose suspension connections
Adjust or retighten.
3. Measure the steering wheel effort. < Ref. to TURNING RESISTANCE OF GEARBOX , INSPECTION, Electric Power Steering Gearbox. > Adjust or replace.
NOTE: When performing repeated steering operation with the vehicle at standstill, the steering effort may be temporarily heavy because the heat generated in the system activates the power steering protection control. This is not a malfunction caused by the steering system. After a while, it will return to normal steering effort. (In this case, the steering warning light will not come on and there will be no DTC.)
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.