Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2018 Subaru WRX BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Steering Column: Installation
CAUTION:
- When removing, installing or replacing the VDC CONTROL MODULE & H/U, VDC CONTROL MODULE & H/U bracket, electronic power steering gearbox, steering wheel or steering angle sensor (steering roll connector), perform "VSC(VDC) Centering Mode" of the VDC. Ref. to VEHICLE DYNAMICS CONTROL (VDC)>VDC Control Module and Hydraulic Control Unit (VDC CONTROL MODULE & H/U)>ADJUSTMENT>VDC SENSOR MIDPOINT SETTING MODE
- Before handling the airbag system components, always refer to "CAUTION" of "General Description" in "AIRBAG SYSTEM". Ref. to AIRBAG SYSTEM>General Description>CAUTION
- Install the bushing to the toe board.
- Insert the end of the column assembly - steering into the toe board bushing.
- Tighten the column assembly - steering installation nut located under the beam COMPL - steering with the tilt lever fixed.
Tightening Torque:
20 N.m (2 kgf-m, 14.8 ft-lb)
- Install the ignition key lock. Ref. to SECURITY AND LOCKS>Ignition Key Lock>REPLACEMENT
- Install the switch assembly - combination.
- Connect all the connectors under the instrument panel.
- Install the universal joint assembly - steering. Ref. to POWER ASSISTED SYSTEM (POWER STEERING)>Universal Joint>INSTALLATION CAUTION:
- Always install the universal joint assembly - steering after installing the steering column to avoid damage to the universal joint assembly - steering.
- Be sure to follow the tightening order and Tightening Torque of the universal joint assembly - steering to avoid the steering effort from becoming heavy.
- Install the knee airbag module. Ref. to AIRBAG SYSTEM>Knee Airbag Module>INSTALLATION
- Install the cover assembly - instrument panel LWR driver.
- Install the cover assembly - column.
- Align the center position of the steering roll connector. Ref. to AIRBAG SYSTEM>Roll Connector>ADJUSTMENT
- Install the steering wheel.
Tightening Torque:
Steering wheel: 39 N.m (4 kgf-m, 28.8 ft-lb)
Clearance:
Between cover assembly - column and steering wheel: 4 - 6 mm (0.16 - 0.24 in)
- Install the driver's airbag module. Ref. to AIRBAG SYSTEM>Driver's Airbag Module>INSTALLATION
- Connect the battery ground terminal. Ref. to NOTE>BATTERY
Factory Service Tools
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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.