2020 Subaru WRX BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Steering Column: Removal

CAUTION: Before handling the airbag system components, always refer to "CAUTION" of "General Description" in "AIRBAG SYSTEM". Refer to AIRBAG SYSTEM>GENERAL DESCRIPTION>CAUTION .
  1. Disconnect the ground cable from battery and wait for at least 60 seconds before starting work. Refer to NOTE>NOTE>BATTERY .
    NOTE: For model with battery sensor, disconnect the ground terminal from battery sensor.
  2. Remove the cover assembly - instrument panel LWR driver. Refer to EXTERIOR/INTERIOR TRIM>INSTRUMENT PANEL LOWER COVER>REMOVAL .
  3. Remove the knee airbag module. Refer to AIRBAG SYSTEM>KNEE AIRBAG MODULE>REMOVAL .
  4. Remove the driver's airbag module. Refer to AIRBAG SYSTEM>DRIVER'S AIRBAG MODULE>REMOVAL .
  5. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to POWER ASSISTED SYSTEM (POWER STEERING)>STEERING WHEEL>REMOVAL .
  6. Remove the cover assembly - column.
    1. Release the clips, and remove the cover assembly - steering UPR.
      G10269892Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    2. Remove the screws.
    3. Remove the cap - key cylinder (a). (Model with keyless access with push button start)
    4. Release the claw, and remove the cover assembly - column UPR and the cover assembly - column LWR.
      G13648351Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  7. Remove the switch assembly - combination.
    1. Disconnect the connector, and loosen the clamp to release the claws.
    2. Pull out the switch assembly - combination from the column assembly - steering.
      G08316060Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  8. Remove all connectors from the column assembly - steering.
  9. 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.
  10. Remove the nut under the beam COMPL - steering securing the column assembly - steering.
    G08316062Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.