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.
2020 Subaru Forester BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Power Steering System (Service Information): General Description: Specification
| Whole system | Minimum turning radius: | m (ft) | 5.4 (17.72) |
| Steering angle | Inner wheel | 38.4°±1.5° | |
| Outer wheel | 33.5°±1.5° | ||
| Steering wheel diameter: | mm (in) | 370 (14.57) | |
| Lock-to-lock revolution number | 2.66 | ||
| Gearbox | Type | Rack & pinion type | |
| Backlash | 0 (automatic adjusting) | ||
| Motor (Temperature 20°C (68°F)) | Rated voltage: | V | 12 |
| Rated torque: | N.m (kgf-m, ft-lb) | 5.07 (0.52, 3.74) | |
| Rated revolution speed: | r/min | 790 | |
| Rated current: | A | 85 | |
| Rated output: | W | 419 | |
STEERING WHEEL SPECIFICATION
| Free play: | mm (in) | 17 (0.67) or less |
COLUMN ASSEMBLY AND STEERING SPECIFICATION
| Clearance: Between steering wheel and cover assembly - column |
mm (in) | 4 - 6 (0.16 - 0.24) or less |
STEERING GEARBOX SPECIFICATION
| Sliding resistance: | N (kgf, lbf) | 360 (37, 81) or less Difference between right and left sliding resistance: 20% or less |
| Rack shaft play in radial direction: mm (in) | Right-turn steering | Both amplitudes: 0.6 (0.024) or less |
| Left-turn steering | Both amplitudes: 0.6 (0.024) or less | |
| Input shaft play: mm (in) | In radial direction | Both amplitudes: 0.6 (0.024) or less |
| In axial direction | 0.27 (0.0106) or less | |
| Rotational resistance: | N (kgf, lbf) | Maximum allowable value: 20 (2, 4.5) or less Difference between right and left sliding resistance: 20% or less |
STEERING EFFORT (WITH POWER STEERING ASSIST) SPECIFICATION
| At standstill on paved road with engine idling: | N (kgf, lbf) | 31 (3.2, 7) or less |
| At standstill on paved road with engine stalled: | N (kgf, lbf) | 294.2 (30, 66.2) or less |
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.
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