2020 Subaru Forester BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Steering Column: Removal

CAUTION: Before handling the airbag system components, always refer to AIRBAG SYSTEM>GENERAL DESCRIPTION>CAUTION .
  1. Adjust the tilt position of the steering column to the neutral position and the telescopic position to the longest position.
    CAUTION: Always place the tilt lever to the lock position after the steering column is adjusted.
  2. Disconnect the ground terminal from the battery sensor, and wait for at least 60 seconds before starting work. Refer to REPAIR CONTENTS>NOTE>BATTERY .
  3. Remove the cover LWR driver. Refer to EXTERIOR/INTERIOR TRIM>INSTRUMENT PANEL LOWER COVER>REMOVAL .
  4. Remove the knee airbag module. Refer to AIRBAG SYSTEM>KNEE AIRBAG MODULE>REMOVAL .
  5. Remove the driver's airbag module. Refer to AIRBAG SYSTEM>DRIVER'S AIRBAG MODULE>REMOVAL .
  6. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to POWER ASSISTED SYSTEM (POWER STEERING)>STEERING WHEEL>REMOVAL .
  7. Remove the column cover assembly.
    1. Release the clips and claws, and remove the cover steering UPR.
    2. Remove the screws.
      G12395191Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    3. Release the claw, and remove the column cover LWR as shown in the figure.
      G11245592Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
      NOTE:
      • Release the claws on RH side in the same procedure as on the LH side.
      • For models with keyless access with push button start, remove the cap key cylinder.
    4. Release the claw, and remove the column cover UPR as shown in the figure.
    G11245593Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  8. Remove the switch assembly combination.
    1. Disconnect the connector.
    2. Using pliers, loosen the clamp.
    3. With the clamp loosened, release the claw using a flat tip screwdriver wrapped with protective tape, and remove the switch assembly combination.
      CAUTION: Do not pry off forcibly. Otherwise, the claws may be damaged.
      G13592478Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  9. Remove all connectors from the column assembly steering.
  10. Remove the universal joint assembly steering. Refer to POWER ASSISTED SYSTEM (POWER STEERING)>UNIVERSAL JOINT>REMOVAL .
    CAUTION: To prevent damage to the universal joint assembly steering and improper steering effort, make sure to remove the universal joint assembly steering.
  11. Remove the nut under the beam COMPL steering which secures the column assembly steering.
    G11245595Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  12. Pull out the column assembly steering from the hole on toe board.
    CAUTION: Do not loosen the tilt lever when the column assembly steering is not secured to the vehicle.
  13. Remove the ignition key lock. Refer to SECURITY AND LOCKS>IGNITION KEY LOCK>REPLACEMENT .
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.