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.
2019 Subaru Forester BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Steering Column: Installation
CAUTION:
- When removing, installing or replacing the VDCCM&H/U, VDCCM&H/U bracket, 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 (VDCCM&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 (a) to the toe board from the passenger compartment side.
- Insert the end of the column assembly steering into the toe board bushing.
- Tighten the column assembly steering installation nut located under the beam steering COMPL 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. After confirming that the steering column position is in the neutral position, tighten the universal joint assembly steering.
- Always place the tilt lever to the lock position after the steering column is adjusted.
- Install the knee airbag module. Ref. to AIRBAG SYSTEM>KNEE AIRBAG MODULE>INSTALLATION .
- Install the cover LWR driver.
- Install the column cover assembly.
- 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 column cover assembly 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 REPAIR CONTENTS>NOTE>BATTERY>GROUND TERMINAL REMOVAL OR INSTALLATION .
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.