1996 SUBARU LEGACY wheel alignment

A: REMOVAL
1) Disconnect battery negative terminal.
2) Disconnect both oxygen sensor and exhaust gas tem-
perature warning sensor connectors from front exhaust
pipe assembly.
WARNING:
Be careful as exhaust pipe is hot.
3) Raise vehicle with a jack and remove front wheel.
4) Disconnect front exhaust pipe assembly.
G4M0097
5) Remove cotter pin and castle nut. Using a puller,
remove tie-rod end from knuckle arm.
G4M0098
6) Remove jack-up plate and stabilizer.
G4M0786
7) Disconnect one pipe joint A from center of gearbox
assembly, and connect a vinyl hose to it. While turning
steering wheel to the left and right, drain fluid through the
hose. Similarly, drain fluid from the other pipe joint B.
G4M0787
8) Remove lower and upper bolts from universal joint, and
remove universal joint in the upward direction.
NOTE:
Scribe alignment marks on universal joint so that it can be
reassembled at the original serration.
30
4-3SERVICE PROCEDURE
4. Steering Gearbox (Power Steering System) [RHD model]

1. Power Steering
1. STEERING CONDITION
Heavy steering
effort in all rangeHeavy steering
effort at stand stillSteering wheel
surges when turn-
ing.Vehicle leads to
one side or the
other.Poor return of
steering wheel to
center
Pulley belt
1. Unequal length of pulley
belts
2. Adhesion of oil and
grease
3. Loose or damage of pul-
ley belt
4. Poor uniformity of pulley
belt cross section
5. Pulley belt touches to
pulley bottom
6. Poor revolution of pulleys
except oil pump pulley
7. Poor revolution of oil
pump pulley
GOOD
NOT GOOD
Adjust or replace.Fluid line
1. Folded hose
2. Flattened pipe
GOOD
NOT
GOODReform or
replace.
Tire and rim
1. Flat tire
2. Mix use of different tires
3. Mix use of different rims
4. Abnormal wear of tire
5. Unbalance of remained
grooves
6. Unbalance of tire pres-
sure
GOOD
NOT
GOODFix or replace.
Tire and rim
1. Improper tires out of
specification
2. Improper rims out of
specification
3. Tires not properly
inflated*1
GOOD
NOT GOOD
Replace or reinflate.Front alignment
1. Improper or unbalance
caster
2. Improper or unbalance
toe-in
3. Loose connection of sus-
pension
GOOD
NOT
GOODAdjust or
retighten.
Fluid
1. Low fluid level
2. Aeration
3. Dust mix
4. Deterioration of fluid
5. Poor warming-up of fluid
*2
GOOD
NOT GOOD
Refill, bleed air, replace or
instruct customer.Others
1. Damaged joint assembly
2. Unbalanced height
3. One-sided weight
GOOD
Measure steering effort.
NOT
GOODReplace, adjust or
instruct customer.
Idling speed
1. Lower idling speed
2. Excessive drop of
idling speed at start
or at turning steering
wheel *3
GOOD
NOT GOOD
Adjust or instruct customer.
*1 If tires and/or rims are wider, the load to power steering system is the more. Accordingly, in a
condition, for example before fluid warms-up, relief valve may work before maximum turning angle.
In this case, steering effort may be heavy. When measured hydraulic pressure is normal, there is
no abnormal thing.
*2 In cold weather, steering effort may be heavy due to increased flow resistance of cold fluid. After
warming up engine, turn steering wheel from stop to stop several times to warm up fluid. Then if
steering effort reduces normally, there is no abnormal thing.
*3 In cold weather or with insufficient warm-up of engine, steering effort may be heavy due to exces-
sive drop of idling when turning steering wheel. In this case, it is recommended to start the vehicle
with increasing engine speed than usual. Then if steering effort reduces normally, there is no
abnormal thing. Measure hydraulic pressure.
GOOD
Measure steering effort.








83
4-3DIAGNOSTICS
1. Power Steering

1. Entire Brake System
Trouble and possible cause Corrective action
1. Insufficient braking
(1) Fluid leakage from the hydraulic mechanismRepair or replace (cup, piston seal, piston boot, master cylinder
piston kit, pipe or hose).
(2) Entry of air into the hydraulic mechanism Bleed the air.
(3) Excessively wide shoe clearance Adjust the clearance.
(4) Wear, deteriorated surface material, adhering water or fluid
on the liningReplace, grind or clean.
(5) Improper operation of master cylinder, disc caliper, brake
booster or check valveCorrect or replace.
2. Unstable or uneven braking
(1) Fluid on the lining, drum or rotor Eliminate cause of fluid leakage, clean, or replace.
(2) Drum or rotor eccentricity Correct or replace the drum or rotor.
(3) Worn brake drum, or damage to the drum caused by sand Correct by grinding, or replace.
(4) Improper lining contact, deteriorated surface material,
improper inferior material, or wearCorrect by grinding, or replace.
(5) Deformed back plate Correct or replace.
(6) Improper tire inflation Inflate to correct pressure.
(7) Disordered wheel alignment Adjust alignment.
(8) Loosened back plate or the support installing bolts Retighten.
(9) Loosened wheel bearing Retighten to normal tightening torque or replace.
(10) Trouble in the hydraulic system Replace the cylinder, brake pipe or hose.
(11) Uneven effect of the parking brake Check, adjust, or replace the rear brake and cable system.
3. Excessive pedal stroke
(1) Entry of air into the hydraulic mechanism Bleed the air.
(2) Excessive play in the master cylinder push rod Adjust.
(3) Fluid leakage from the hydraulic mechanismRepair or replace (cup, piston seal, piston boot, master cylinder
piston kit, pipe or hose).
(4) Improperly adjusted shoe clearance Adjust.
(5) Improper lining contact or worn lining Correct or replace.
124
4-4DIAGNOSTICS
1. Entire Brake System

e. Malfunction indicator light

1Is always on.2Sometimes comes on.3Comes on only once.4Does not come on.
When does it come on?
Ignition key
position
1Lock2Acc3On (before starting engine)4Start5On after starting (Engine: run)
6On after starting (Engine: stop)
Timing
1Immediately after ignition is on.2Immediately after ignition starts.
3When advancing (Speedmiles/h,miles/h)4While traveling at a constant speed (Speedmiles/h)
5When decelerating (Speedmiles/h,miles/h)
6When turning (To right, to left, steering angledeg., steering timesec)
7When other electrical parts move (Part name:, Operating condition)
8When moving other electrical parts (Part name:, Operating condition)
2. SYMPTOMS
ABS operating
condition1Performs no work.2Operates only when abruptly applying brakes. (Conditions: vehicle speedmiles/h, how to step
on brake pedal)
3Operating time (sec., etc.)4Operating noise (Produced/Not produced)
5What kind of noise? (Knock, gong gong, bong, buzz, gong gong buzz, etc.)
6Reaction force of brake pedal (Stick, pressed down once with a clunk, pressed and released, etc.)
TCS operating
condition
1Performs no work.2Operates only when abruptly accelerating. (Conditions: vehicle speedmiles/h, how to step on
accelerator pedal)
3Operating time (sec., etc.)4Operating noise (Produced/Not produced)
5What kind of noise? (Knock, gong gong, bong, buzz, gong gong buzz, etc.)
6Whether or not operation indicator light comes on. (Come on/Does not come on, Others)
Behavior of
vehicle
1Directional stability cannot be obtained or steering arm refuses to work when applying brakes (vehicle turns to right, turns
to left, spins, etc.).
2Directional stability cannot be obtained or steering arm refuses to work when accelerating (vehicle turns to right, turns to
left, spins, etc.).
3Brakes are out of order (braking distance is long, brakes lock or drag, pedal stroke is long, pedal sticks, etc.).
4Poor acceleration (fails to accelerate, engine stalls, etc.).
5Vibration, abnormal noise (operating noise is loud, noise is produced during operation from the front of vehicle (right, left)
(tones:), noise is produced during operation from the rear of vehicle (tones:, others)
6Other phenomena (concrete symptoms)
3. CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH TROUBLE OCCURS
Environment1Weather (fine, cloudy, rain, snow, etc.)
2Ambient temperature (°C/°F)
3Road (urban area, suburbs, highway, general road, ascending slope, descending slope, paved road, gravel road, muddy
road, sandy place, etc.)
4Road surface (dry, wet, new-fallen snow, compressed snow, frozen slope, etc.)
Conditions
1Brakes (decelerationg, continuous/intermittent)2Accelerator (accelerationg, continuous/intermittent)
3Travel speed (miles, advancing, accelerating, reducing speed, low speed, turning, etc.)
4Condition of tire of each wheel (air pressure, degree of wear, whether or not genuine parts are used, whether
or not chain is passed around tires, whether or not T tire is used.) others ()
5Condition of suspension alignment ()
6Loading state ()
4. REPAIRED PARTS ARE USED OR NOT
15
4-4bBRAKES
6. Diagnostics Chart for On-board Diagnosis System

11. General Diagnostics Table
: Primary expected causes: Secondary expected causes
Trouble conditions
SymptomsHydraulic
unit
Speed sensor
P valve
Master cylinder
Calipers and piston
Pad
Rotor
Hand brake
Piping
Mixture of air
Brake booster and check valve
Axle and wheel
Alignment
Play of pedal
Rough road surface
Semicylindrical road surface
Loose or worn suspension
Tire
Wrong connection and wiring
Stroke sensor Solenoid valve
Motor
Mount bush ABS function
Directional stability cannot be
obtained when braking.Vehicle turns to right or left. 
Vehicle spins.
Out-of-order brakesLong braking distance
 
Brakes lock.  
Brakes drag.
Long pedal stroke  
Abnormal vehicle pitching 
Unstable braking force. One-
side brake refuses to work. 
TCS function
When accelerating abruptly,
directional stability cannot be
obtained when traveling on a
slippery road surface.Vehicle moves unsteadily.
Handle refuses to work.
Handle loses control. 
Bad acceleration, engine stall-
ing (In addition to the causes
listed here, check the ECM
specifications.)Engine stalls. Engine speed
fails to increase.
Engine speed increases sud-
denly.
Vibration occurs and abnormal
noise is produced.

When applying brakes abruptly.

When accelerating abruptly.

When driving on a slippery
road surface.Brake pedal heavily vibrates
when applying brakes.
   
Loud hydraulic unit operating
noise
Noise is produced from front
of vehicle.
Noise is produced from rear of
vehicle.
NOTE:
This list includes no engine failure and transmission failure.
127
4-4bBRAKES
11. General Diagnostics Table

B: CHECK LIST FOR INTERVIEW
Check the following items about the vehicle’s state.
1. THE STATE OF THE WARNING LIGHTS
a. ABS warning light

1Is always on.2Sometimes comes on.3Comes on only once.4Does not come on.
When/how long does it come on?
Ignition key
position
1Lock2Acc3On (before starting engine)4Start5On after starting (Engine: run)

6On after starting (Engine: stop)
Timing
1Immediately after ignition is on.2Immediately after ignition starts.

3When advancing (Speedmiles/h,miles/h)4While traveling at a constant speed (Speedmiles/h)

5When decelerating (Speedmiles/h,miles/h)

6When turning (To right, to left, steering angledeg., steering timesec)

7When moving other electrical parts (Part name:, Operating condition)
2. SYMPTOMS
ABS operating
condition1Performs no work.2Operates only when abruptly applying brakes. (Conditions: vehicle speedmiles/h, how
to step on brake pedal
)

3Operating time (sec., etc.)4Operating noise (Produced/Not produced)

5What kind of noise? (Knock, gong gong, bong, buzz, gong gong buzz, etc.)

6Reaction force of brake pedal (Stick, pressed down once with a clunk, pressed and released, etc.)
Behavior of
vehicle
1Directional stability cannot be obtained or steering arm refuses to work when applying brakes (vehicle turns to
right, turns to left, spins, etc.
).

2Directional stability cannot be obtained or steering arm refuses to work when accelerating (vehicle turns to right,
turns to left, spins, etc.
).

3Brakes are out of order (braking distance is long, brakes lock or drag, pedal stroke is long, pedal sticks, etc.
).

4Poor acceleration (fails to accelerate, engine stalls, etc.).

5Vibration, abnormal noise (operating noise is loud, noise is produced during operation from the front of vehicle
(right, left) (tones:
), noise is produced during operation from the rear of vehicle (tones:, others
)

6Other phenomena (concrete symptoms)
3. CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH TROUBLE OCCURS
Environment1Weather (fine, cloudy, rain, snow, etc.)

2Ambient temperature (°C/°F)

3Road (urban area, suburbs, highway, general road, ascending slope, descending slope, paved road, gravel road,
muddy road, sandy place, etc.
)

4Road surface (dry, wet, new-fallen snow, compressed snow, frozen slope, etc.)
Conditions
1Brakes (decelerationg, continuous/intermittent)2Accelerator (accelerationg, continuous/intermittent)

3Travel speed (miles, advancing, accelerating, reducing speed, low speed, turning, etc.)

4Condition of tire of each wheel (air pressure, degree of wear, whether or not genuine parts are used,
whether or not chain is passed around tires, whether or not T tire is used.) others (
)

5Condition of suspension alignment ()

6Loading state ()
4. REPAIRED PARTS ARE USED OR NOT
11
4-4cBRAKES [ABS 5.3 TYPE]
6. Diagnostics Chart for On-board Diagnosis System

11. General Diagnostics Table
A: SYMPTOMS AND PROBABLE CAUSES
Symptom Probable faulty units/parts
Vehicle instability during brakingVehicle pulls to either side.
Hydraulic unit (solenoid valve)

ABS sensor

Brake (caliper & piston, pads)

Wheel alignment

Tire specifications, tire wear and air pressures

Incorrect wiring or piping connections

Road surface (uneven, camber)
Vehicle spins.
Hydraulic unit (solenoid valve)

ABS sensor

Brake (pads)

Tire specifications, tire wear and air pressures

Incorrect wiring or piping connections
Poor brakingLong braking/stopping distance
Hydraulic unit (solenoid valve)

Brake (pads)

Air in brake line

Tire specifications, tire wear and air pressures

Incorrect wiring or piping connections
Wheel locks.
Hydraulic unit (solenoid valve, motor)

ABS sensor

Incorrect wiring or piping connections
Brake dragging
Hydraulic unit (solenoid valve)

ABS sensor

Master cylinder

Brake (caliper & piston)

Parking brake

Axle & wheels

Brake pedal play
Long brake pedal stroke
Air in brake line

Brake pedal play
Vehicle pitching
Suspension play or fatigue (reduced damping)

Incorrect wiring or piping connections

Road surface (uneven)
Unstable or uneven braking
Hydraulic unit (solenoid valve)

ABS sensor

Brake (caliper & piston, pads)

Tire specifications, tire wear and air pressures

Incorrect wiring or piping connections

Road surface (uneven)
Vibration and/or noise (while
driving on slippery roads)Excessive pedal vibration
Incorrect wiring or piping connections

Road surface (uneven)
Noise from hydraulic unit
Hydraulic unit (mount bushing)

ABS sensor

Brake piping
Noise from front of vehicle
Hydraulic unit (mount bushing)

ABS sensor

Master cylinder

Brake (caliper & piston, pads, rotor)

Brake piping

Brake booster & check valve

Suspension play or fatigue
Noise from rear of vehicle
ABS sensor

Brake (caliper & piston, pads, rotor)

Parking brake

Brake piping

Suspension play or fatigue
272
4-4cBRAKES [ABS 5.3 TYPE]
11. General Diagnostics Table