08-17+ Subaru Impreza (Base, WRX and STI) Steering rack rebuild. [Frugal Garage EP5]
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- čas přidán 5. 09. 2024
- One of the most common issues on the Impreza is a leaking steering rack. Everybody just replaces the entire rack but I wanted to see if I could fix it with $50 worth of seals. Well here's how to do it!
Subaru seal kit part number: 34191AG050
In the future, turn the wheel back and forth with out the motor running first, until the fluid in the reservoir stops falling and rising. Then you shouldn't experience as much pump noise when you bleed with the motor running.
Great video, saved my moms outback, thanks!
Thank you! This turned a 1300 fix into 50 precisely. However, be sure to also replace the crunch washer to the pump and the o rings to the hoses leading to the pinion valve. A new leak sprang in both places for me. Also, thread lock is highly recommended for the steering column bolt.
Do you have PN for those orings?
I haven't finished the video yet, but I am so grateful that you created this. I have spent countless hours looking for info on this, and couldn't find a video when I looked in January. Thanks a million!
Thanks for posting the video. I finished the seal replacement on my 2013. It's definitely easier to remove the hoses at the reservoir and pump. Also, you avoid needing to change out the o-rings on the high pressure and return line connections on the passenger side. While inserting the pinion gear shaft, I had spun it a little. I didn't realize the issue until mostly everything was bolted backup and the steering wheel wasn't straight. Luckily I was able to drop the rack a few inches and didn't need to remove the tie-rod bolts to align the wheel.
Great video! saved me tons of money. Had it done in 2 evenings with very basic tools and a helper. -2010 wrx-
I need to get this done on the 10’ wrx too. Any issues with the tie rods and/or shitty bolts? I have an ok electric impact 😎
Great video. Had fluid gushing out of my 2016 STi and the new seal kit fixed her up. I see guys asking about the top seal. When it came to the top seal I placed it on concrete since I didn’t have a bench vise and placed a short socket to fit inside the top. Hit it twice with a framing hammer and it came right out. I had dummy lights after the replacement. Disabled hill assist, ABS, Blind spot...took it to the dealer for an alignment and fixed that. Thanks for the tutorial.
Just did this to my '13 WRX with 85k miles. So far so good! thanks for the tips. If you have the WRX, let the sway bar roll out of the way and one you have the steering mounts released, you can slide the rack left and right to get past the control arm bolt. Also, someone commented that if you go lock to lock with the motor off, it will fill the system and you can refill until it stops taking more fluid. I did this about 3 times before turning on the car and no pump noise when I turned on the motor. Otherwise, took my 6ish hours start to doing a test drive. (it tracked straight and felt a little bit more lively even)
Thank you for this information. Very helpful. The new part number for these two seals are: Subaru part number 34191VA000
Will 34191va000 work for the 2015 sti?
Nick slowSTI yes
Man thank you I'm going to fix mine as soon as it stops raining around here already got the parts thanks again for this video
Picked up my sti from the dealer today, had this same problem at 33k miles replaced the whole rack under warranty. All good now.
Used your video to do the entire procedure. Would have had no clue how to do this without you!
Thanks!
Thanks a ton for making this video. I've been having a power steering leak for a while now and took a stab at this on my 09 sti and I've fixed the leak. I still have a squeal under hard or lock out turns but no leaks! Thanks again
Sounds like your pumps going
You are saving me $860 on my 18 Sti! Thank you for this video
Dude you are a hero in my opinion replace the seals and stop the leak got the parts from Ebay from a Subaru dealer in California for 27 bucks genius thanks again
You saved my bacon with this video man! Got this job done over the holiday. Anyone watching seriously just take out the PS Lines from the top save your self the hassle.
I fixed my but I think they replaced the old sealed with this new upgraded version part # is 34191VA000 its working like a charm!!! It took about 3 to 4 hours relaxing time with no rushing it can be done in 2 hours
J D in Iowa writes, saved me thousands, got the kids braces and the cat fixed. Great educational video :)
Great video bud. Thanks for sharing. Did mine today, I marked the steering shaft with a red sharpie, well power steering fluid cleaned that mark off. I think I’m off one or two teeth. Will adjust tomorrow. Drives fine but the steering wheel is not straight up while driving straight. Saved me $1050. My bank account thanks you.
Thank you Sir Frugal !
Now I can also save my people some cash and learn more ahh I live to love being a specialist .
Thank you our Mother and Father of the light.
Les Hulsey
Oh yes. Indeed.
Good video. Was hoping you'd do the rack seals too. Please wear hearing protection when using the impact guns. Former safety manager here. Once you break the little hairs in your ear they don't repair themselves.
reseating the collar is a bit more than a tap with a hammer.. I managed to use 2 pieces of 1/8 aluminum (from my hand rail on my deck, any sturdy flat metal surface should work) and placed one over the larger open end and one ontop of a socket for the smaller end (socket that fit inside the hole, then used a C-Clamp to 'press' the collar and old seal out, (note, it WILL destroy the old seal).. should be able to do same to press collar back in but will need a deep well (longer socket to go into the larger end of the housing opening)... i tried the socket and extension and a 2 pound hammer and tried several times, could not get collar to seat...
I will agree with you this was a bit more than tapping. I also tried the socket c-clamp maneuver and could not get it to budge. I ended up using a vice instead of a c-clamp to push the socket through to finally pop out that collar.
Great informative write up vid. I’ll be doing this eventually, but full rebuild with new boots too. Now I see how it’s put together. Thanks
This is a great video. Perfect instructions. I followed every step and did the rebuild without problems. Thank you so much!!!
Nice! I bought my steering rack for 600 and took whole day install since not having power tools. I had same leak but I decided to buy a new one instead- great vid
EJ Pastor did u buy the 15 Sti and install it on a 08-14 STI
I have a 15 sti with 26k on it an my shit started leaking if it wasn’t for this video I would’ve been replacing the whole rack now I can order my down pipe great fuckn video an it’s def a huge help to the community thanks bro
Anthony Tsiranides glad I could be helpful
I thought I had to replace my entire rack until I saw your video! Awesome dude!
Actual rebuild on bench starts at 8:00 😀
I have a shop print out for removing the rack and it's very confusing and seems difficult.
Your video makes it look very easy and you clearly shown what you need to do for your car.
Will be doing a 2009 outback today using your video. I hope my car is the same procedure as yours. I have the same leak issues. Also have a issue with air getting into the system on cold starts. I think it's drawing it in from the worn seal. We shall see.
on a side note. when I removed the housing, the entire assembly came out from the spider gears on the back side of the main larger seal.. I had to re-seat, I made sure that I marked the alignment on the spline shaft, so that when I put back in, It was still lined up. then pulled the snap ring and replaced larger seal... just an fyi..
Just wanted to thank you for the video. Completed this job today on my 2011 wrx using this video as a reference.
Just doing some youtube reconnaissance as my 06 Legacy GT just developed a leak and was wondering what was involved in removing.. Thanks for this.
What is the black rubber piece on top of the entire assembly?? Right after you explained how you thought you could just disconnect the hoses and slide off the rack. It cut scenes and the black rubber piece disappeared. My STI leaks from that area on my rack!
Very interesting. Thank you very much. I shared it on Facebook to the Garden State Subies group. I am facing a leak from the rack and will have to do the same.
based on reviewing the video, you stated that the collar is pressed in/out... gave me an idea (as I don't have a press) to use a c-clamp to push out... hope it works.. thanks again
Michael Moran that's actually a good idea.
Great tutorial, just did mine today, getting that damn metal collar seated took a lot of effort but I think its fine, no leaks
bro u r the man .. thanks .... my sti 2015 steering rack leak and dealer will wont fix it due sti modified ... thanks for the vid and seal no.
For some honesty if you go to your local dealership and ask for the repair manuals they cant say noo gives you repair tools part numbera and nessary parts seal kits etc etc thats any vendor. Maker i work on cars i just go get the repair manuls take pics 📸 at dealerships
Awesome. Just bought a '09 STI Hatch and it has this problem (replaced the pump with oem and still a leak somewhere so rack must be the issue). I'll fix myself now. Also have another subie I think with same problem so I'll kill 2 birds with one stone :). Come to think of it, I've yet another STI and it needs new steering boots, so looks like all 3 need some (steering) shaft lov'in. thanks!
WOW!! Great How-to man, I was going to order the rockauto steering rack, but this will keep everything oem and i will learn something new also. Thanks a million man. Keep up the great work.
Thanks for the video. I just did this on my 2012 WRX
Thanks. I thought this would be harder. Looks super easy.
Awesome vid man. Thanks for sharing! Now, I have to go do this on the wifeys '11 REX.
Thanks for this video man, helping me save my customer some money here.
Thanks for this video! Gonna save me a ton of money. Great quality video. Fantastic to watch and great instruction. I have a silver 2010 STi hatch too. Thanks again dude!
I'm gonna rebuild my 2012 rack off the car for practice and fix my 2015 rack that's currently on the car and starting to leak and its not even 2 years since install. I will try to add a cooler and see if it helps.
And to think the dealership wants to charge me over $1000 because "iT's An InTeRnAl SeAl ThAt CaN't Be RePlAcEd" SMH. More like a stealership. Appreciate the video as I will be tackling the job myself lol.
I added a filter on the upper part of the steering line just before the reservoir
Thank you for this video! Will be taking on this challenge tomorrow
You are lucky, got the exhaust above it. I had to lower in on Legacy.
Had a 2011 STi ,2014 STi.,and now a 2016 STi,same thing happened to all 3 luckily always replaced under warranty bs inconvenience..
Rick S hey man what mileage where you at on the 2016 STI mine just broke was it covered?
Good job on the video production and the work being done. A+
muchas gracias amigo, muy buen video, tengo ese problema y ahora el sabado lo reparare!! saludos desde Chile.
Como te fue amigo?
@@rodrigotapia5861 quedo super bn, hice lo mismo del video.
Hola bro, cuanto te salio aca en Chile los sellos? $$$
Do the power steering lines have a crush washer, you didn't show it after removal
Great video! Lighting was excellent! Thanks for sharing!
Freakin awesome vid man. Everyone I went to wanted to replace the whole rack! Doing this next month
Hi would this serial number work for my 2016 sti? Help anyone
I have a 2017 STI with 45k miles, and just had it checked out at a subie shop. They said the rack is pretty much toast, & quoted me at 1300 for a replacement. Didnt expect to be having this problem that early.
dude that's insane.... i got an 2016 sti limited and mine broke somewhere around 40-45k as well... wtf..... paid 700$ for the new racket and they are asking 127$ an hour for the labor...
Just called Subaru today in Toronto I have 2016 STI and it's $3000 tax in to replace soooo prices have clearly gone up 🤦🏼♀️
you sir are a hero just so you know!
Subaru Joe thank you! I hope this video will be useful to the community.
I'm sure it will! I now know how to fix mine! lol
Thanks for this video! Just found out today I have to do this same thing on mine
same car same issue, thanks for making the how too.
Yes, you just saved me.
Thanks for the video! Just finished mine.
Hi I have 2019-21 WRX, after rack and pinion replaced is there any coding needed?
Great Video!
I am wondering if anybody can tell me how much play there should be at the pinion? Mine seems to jiggle a bit and i am trying to diagnose it
I replaced my rack and pinion on my 2008 Subaru Impreza than after my traction control light turned on. What do you think? Seeing the light bugs me makes me feel like something wrong with the car
Excellent job! This video saved my butt!
Any update? Are the seals still holding?
Yep still not leaking
This is awesome but I can't get the splines to line up on mine this is very annoying
I have an 08 WRX. I saw another video that looked a little different than yours. I have that black cap like yours at 8:01 but in the other video, the new seal was directly under that cap on the shaft . You had to pretty much pull it apart to get to the seal at the bottom of the shaft. I'm not sure if mine will be right under the cap or the bottom like yours. The other question, although it's not tooooo bad to take the whole rack out, having done it, do you think you would be able to do it again without taking the rack down? It looks like there's enough room to disconnect the top and bottom u joint, slide it off the shaft and do the repair in place. I know it's been 5 years since you did this lol
Is the collar on the U-joint keyed to the input shaft, or do you have to rely 100% on the alignment marks when putting it together?
I had the same problem. I went to a mecanic and he said he had done it well, but after some time I ran out of the oil again. Why? He replaced all the seals, etc.
My steering wheel rotates left and right super hard violently.
I’m certain In hooked everything back up the way it came off... super confused.
Any help is appreciated
Great work! But, why your VDC OFF light didn’t go on? I did the same work in my MY07 Outback 3.0R and VDC OFF light went on after installing the rack :(
Just the video I needed! Thanks
I have an 08 sti and I think this may be my problem. it seems like I am getting a constant stream of air in no matter what I do. I've disassembled and cleaned the top portion. I'm going to take the metal brace off the bottom and see if I am leaking there. I gotta get this fixed it is a stupid problem to have.
I know it's a late reply but have you tried replacing the o-ring at the steering pump itself? This is a common area where air can leak into the system.
This video is perfect. Thank you.
Hey. Can you do a video of how to replace Subaru sti oil pressure switch. Pleassse!
Thanks!!!! Out of curiosity why is the STI rack so much cheaper than the non STI version?
Is it the same for my impreza b3 2009 hatchback?
Can u please give us the part number or ebay link for the o rings
Amazing video thank u
Just fixed mine today using your video! Thanks a bunch! Quick question. Did you replace your Cotter Pin afterwards?
Awesome tutorial! Two thumbs up!
Does it matter if the whole spindle comes apart from the rack. Mine came out with the top portion after I loosened everything and I had to slowly coax it back into place.
Hey Frugal. got one more question about the seals in the rack n pinion in the above video. I got unit out, lines broke loose, and bigger seal replaced, but on the smaller inner seal in the housing, how do you get that (collar/metal ring) out in the first place ( at time mark 12:17) you already have the ring out and are showing putting the seal back in and how it goes in and then the collar (what you call it)? thanks for an answer... and again.. REALLY truly appreciate you putting up THIS video. subscribed... thanks again
I dont know why you went to disconnect the hoses up top, its waaaay easier from underneath
Mine were so tight that i couldn't get them off at the bottom, even when it was on the bench it was rounding off with my flare wrench.
My 2013 WRX is leaking at the connecting rod. Any info on that repair?
i want to do this job but its 20 degrees and im in my underwear 🤣🤣 ps damn you have to lift the car
Do they have any markings on the shaft for center of rack alignment??
Did you have to make any changes to the adjuster nut throughout this procedure?
How did you remove the collar? any tips would be appreciated. Great video!
Thank you very much, great tutorial!
Did you ever have any issues after replacing the seal?
jeff rodriguez nope
Frugal Garage sweet. Great tutorial. Just the video I needed. Thanks.
jeff rodriguez I’m having this issue now. Any issues since your repair?
What are the names or codes of the gaskets used. I have the same issue
Would I need to order a replacement rack or just the seals? Because it’s my seals that gave out
ANd I called him and he says that there is no leaking beneath the car, but somehow I am running out of the oil....
Where did you order the parts and what are the part numbers it would really help thanks
You should take the music out of the vid when your explaining things
NEWS-- there is NOW A RECALL. Get it done for free! up to 10 years or unlimited mileage.
8/2020
How long did the fix hold up for you?
I have a 2015 STi that was leaking at the O-ring and also here. Around the driver side fluid was dripping down slightly and more when hot.
Did you fix it already I have the same issue in sti 2015
Where did you find the seals? I have a 2010 Forester Premium X that is leaking and making noise. Thanks Louis
Did you find the seal?
I’m having the same issue with my 08 wrx base