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Old 10-23-2020, 01:44 AM   #1
jokem
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Default 2005 WRX STI | How to remove Steering U-Joint?

I'm wondering how I get the steering u-joint off, the FSM simply says to remove the steering wheel, then remove the two pinch joints on the u-joint, and remove the u-joint.

The u-joint is pinched onto the steering column and the steering rack, both of which don't move unless removed. But since the FSM doesn't indicate that either steering column or steering rack need to be removed, I have no idea how this thing is supposed to come off. Does one side retract? Do the "pinches" in the u-joint fold out?

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Last edited by jokem; 10-23-2020 at 01:47 AM. Reason: spelling
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Old 10-23-2020, 11:11 AM   #2
Samurai Jack
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You don't actually remove the u-joint itself.
What you have is a u-joint assembly.

You unbolt the assembly on the steering wheel shaft on the top side and the steering rack shaft on the bottom side.

Once they are both loose enough, you slide the u-joint assembly up or down to free on side and then slide it off the other way.

That's how it works on the 2002/3 model.
I presume it works the same way on all other models as well unless, in their infinite wisdom, Subaru decided to change it for absolutely no reason except to cost you more money
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Old 10-23-2020, 12:35 PM   #3
T-37
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You just have to lower the steering rack, not fully remove it. Take the lower mounting bolts off and let it hang by the tie rods. Just be sure you have the steering wheel locked in position when you're doing this, and don't rotate the input shaft of the rack so it's in the right place when you reconnect the new u-joint.

In order for there to be enough space to get the u-joint to slide free the rack has to be brought down slightly, there isn't enough free movement of the u-joint assy to slide it up and off once the pinch bolts are removed.
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Old 10-26-2020, 12:28 PM   #4
jokem
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Thanks guys - I was dropping the steering rack anyway so I went with T-37's method. I think Samurai Jack's method would've worked as well, but the u-joint was seized onto the steering column pretty good so it was helpful to have all of the lower u-joint free to break it free.
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Old 10-27-2020, 10:15 AM   #5
Samurai Jack
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Glad you got it off.

If you haven't re-installed it yet, make sure you lube both ends w/plenty of anti-seize. It helps put it back on and IF it ever has to come on again, it makes it easier the next time.
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Old 10-29-2020, 10:21 PM   #6
jokem
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Samurai Jack View Post
Glad you got it off.

If you haven't re-installed it yet, make sure you lube both ends w/plenty of anti-seize. It helps put it back on and IF it ever has to come on again, it makes it easier the next time.
As always, lots of useful tips! Thanks, I'll do that! I've got some kiddos so it takes a lot of time for me to get anything done =P
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Old 10-30-2020, 09:58 AM   #7
Samurai Jack
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jokem View Post
As always, lots of useful tips! Thanks, I'll do that! I've got some kiddos so it takes a lot of time for me to get anything done =P
Make it a Family event. Give the kiddos the anti-seize and let them smear it all over the shafts!
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