Quote:
Originally Posted by BrettRS
@ pope you were correct, have you replaced this before? Can you check my post above this one and see if you can help me with my questions? |
The steering column and motor are only listed on subaru.parts.com as the complete unit for $888.xx, so with installation the quote seems about right, but assuming you have some rather basic tools and are comfortable working with the air bag, replacing the column assembly shouldn’t be too hard.
I have and have not replaced the column. I have not replaced the bottom half with the motor, but I did swap out the top half to put a keyed steering lock into my push start car. I got a complete column (two actually) from my local salvage yard for ~$100ea. If my basement wasn’t in shambles right now because of some work I’m having done, I’d go pull out one of my spare columns to confirm whether you could just buy a used column and swap just the motor.
The steering angle sensor is built into the clockspring assembly. I’m not sure if there’s any additional sensor built into the motor. I’d start by replacing the steering column/motor and worry about computers later.
Notes:
1. Key start cars and push start cars have different columns. The inner shaft in the upper half that the steering lock interfaces with is different. The bottom half is the same.
2. The electronic steering lock box in the push start cars is part of the immobilizer system, so if you have a keyless car you will need to go through the hassle of removing the security bolts from both the original column and the used column (if using a used column) to retain your original lock box. Otherwise the car will require expensive reprogramming that may or may not also require replacing the ecm, fobs, etc. (I have the impression from the forum that immobilizer components must all be replaced if any one is replaced, but I’m not 100% certain in this point. However, I do know that the used lock box from one of my spare columns would not work in place of my original steering lock.)
3. Swapping out the column will alter the steering angle calibration. Techstream will be required to recalibrate the steering angle. Power steering should still function even when the calibration is wrong, but abs, traction control, and stability control will not.
P.S.
The valve spring recall has mixed results across the forum with a fair number of cars having the engine self destruct after the recall. The general recommendation seems to be to ignore the recall unless your state requires the recall before registering/renewing the car.