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 Outback BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Power Steering System (Service Information): General Description: Caution
- When performing service operation, refer to Repair Contents>Repair Contents .
- When performing any work, always wear work clothes, a work cap and protective shoes. Additionally, wear a helmet, protective goggles, etc. if necessary.
- Before performing vehicle maintenance, turn the ignition switch to OFF and disconnect the ground terminal from the battery sensor. Refer to Repair Contents>Note>Battery .
- When replacing the parts provided with memory functions, record the memory contents before disconnecting the ground terminal from the battery sensor.
- Be careful of the following items. Failing to do so may cause the airbag system malfunction.
- Yellow connectors and harnesses with yellow tapes around them are the connectors and harnesses for the airbag system. When using a tester on these circuits, follow the cautions of "AIRBAG SYSTEM". Refer to Airbag System>General Description>Caution .
- Be careful not to damage the airbag system wiring harness when servicing the electrical parts around the steering column.
- When performing a repair, identify the cause of trouble and avoid unnecessary removal, disassembly and replacement.
- Some vehicle components are extremely hot immediately after driving. Be wary of receiving burns from heated parts.
- Use SUBARU genuine grease, the recommended or equivalent. Do not mix grease etc. of different grades or manufacturers.
- Be sure to tighten fasteners including bolts and nuts to the specified torque.
- Always use the jack-up point when the shop jacks or rigid racks are used to support the vehicle.
- Do not secure a part in a vise directly. Place cushioning materials such as wood blocks, aluminum plates, or waste cloth between the part and the vise.
- 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. Refer to Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)>VDC Control Module and Hydraulic Control Unit (VDCCM&H/U)>Adjustment>VDC Sensor Midpoint Setting Mode .
- When the wheel alignment has been adjusted, perform the following adjustment.
- Lane keep assist learning value clear (model with EyeSight): Refer to EyeSight (Diagnostics)>Clear Active Lane Keep System Learning Value>Operation .
- VDC sensor midpoint setting mode: Refer to Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)>VDC Control Module and Hydraulic Control Unit (VDCCM&H/U)>Adjustment .
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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