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10-23-2020, 01:44 AM | #1 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 504281
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Seattle, WA
Vehicle:2005 Impreza WRX STI Silver |
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? Pic: Last edited by jokem; 10-23-2020 at 01:47 AM. Reason: spelling |
10-23-2020, 11:11 AM | #2 |
Scooby Guru
Member#: 21145
Join Date: Jul 2002
Chapter/Region:
NESIC
Location: Not in my own time
Vehicle:2002 Enemy of Aku |
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 |
10-23-2020, 12:35 PM | #3 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 175624
Join Date: Mar 2008
Chapter/Region:
MWSOC
Location: Wichita, KS
Vehicle:0304 WRX WRX SY WRB |
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. |
10-26-2020, 12:28 PM | #4 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 504281
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Seattle, WA
Vehicle:2005 Impreza WRX STI Silver |
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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10-27-2020, 10:15 AM | #5 |
Scooby Guru
Member#: 21145
Join Date: Jul 2002
Chapter/Region:
NESIC
Location: Not in my own time
Vehicle:2002 Enemy of Aku |
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. |
10-29-2020, 10:21 PM | #6 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 504281
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Seattle, WA
Vehicle:2005 Impreza WRX STI Silver |
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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10-30-2020, 09:58 AM | #7 |
Scooby Guru
Member#: 21145
Join Date: Jul 2002
Chapter/Region:
NESIC
Location: Not in my own time
Vehicle:2002 Enemy of Aku |
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