Buy Subaru Forester Rack and Pinion Assemblys

New Section:

Overview

The rack and pinion assembly-also called the steering rack, steering gear, or rack-and-pinion steering unit-turns the steering wheel's motion into side-to-side movement of the Subaru Forester's front tires. It sits low on the front sub-frame, connects to the inner and outer tie-rods, and may be hydraulic (1997-2018) or electric (beginning with most 2019 models). When it wears out, you may notice fluid leaks, uneven tire wear, noise, or stiff steering. Keeping this part healthy is key to safe, easy driving.

New Section:

How It Works

The circular pinion gear on the end of the steering shaft meshes with the straight rack gear. Turning the wheel spins the pinion, sliding the rack left or right to steer the wheels (Subaru Forester Forums).

• Hydraulic systems (1997-2018): Pressurized fluid boosts your effort. Subaru allows Dexron III-spec ATF in the pump and rack (Subaru Forester Forums).
• Electric systems (2019-present): An electric motor in the rack adds assist. A 2019 recall addressed a connector that could short and cut assist (Asbury Automotive Group, NHTSA Static).

New Section:

Common Symptoms

• Puddles or damp boots under the car signal leaking rack seals (YouTube).
• Clunks or play in the wheel can come from worn inner tie-rods or rack bushings .
• Rust cracks (salt states, 2016 models) were covered by a Technical Service Bulletin after corrosion weakened the housing (Subaru Forester Forums).
• Sudden heavy steering in 2019 models may mean EPS shutdown from the recall issue (Asbury Automotive Group).

New Section:

Fitment Basics

The Forester has been built since 1997 across five generations (Wikipedia). Each generation uses its own rack design, but brackets often interchange with Impreza and Outback models of the same era. Always match:

• Generation & year (SF 1997-2002, SG 2003-2008, SH 2009-2013, SJ 2014-2018, SK 2019-present).
• Engine family-turbo models can share a stiffer steering ratio.
• Assist type-hydraulic vs. electric racks are not compatible.

New Section:

Torque Specs

• Rack-to-sub-frame bolts: 41 ft-lb (Subaru Forester Forums)
• Large sub-frame bolts: 91 ft-lb
• Inner tie-rod to rack: 65 ft-lb (90 N·m) (Subaru Service Center Likhobory)

Use new lock-washers and hold the adjuster screw steady while tightening to keep factory preload .

New Section:

Installation Tips

• Mark alignment: Scribe the steering shaft and rack input to keep the wheel centered (Subaru Forester Forums).
• Boot care: Avoid twisting the bellows; trapped air can pop new clamps.
• Bleed hydraulic racks: Cycle lock-to-lock with wheels off the ground to purge bubbles .
• Re-center electric racks: After power reconnection, drive straight for a short distance so the EPS recalibrates.

New Section:

Maintenance & Life Span

Checking fluid level at every oil change and replacing torn rack boots quickly can double service life (Bob Is The Oil Guy). A torn boot lets grit ruin seals, yet drivers have limped thousands of miles with a temporary wrap in an emergency (Car Talk Community).

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Safety & Recalls

• 2019 Forester EPS recall-possible short inside the motor/controller; repair is free at Subaru dealers (Asbury Automotive Group, NHTSA Static).
• Rust-related rack fracture TSB for some 2016 vehicles in heavy-salt regions (Subaru Forester Forums).
  Owners can check VINs anytime on Subaru's recall lookup page (Subaru).

New Section:

Environmental Angle

Choosing a remanufactured steering gear saves raw steel, cuts energy use, and diverts parts from landfills (HZPT Blog, Auto Technician). Recycling or re-using cores also lowers each driver's carbon footprint (Back To Road Auto Parts).

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Interchange & Upgrades

Performance drivers sometimes fit tighter-ratio WRX racks into older Foresters for quicker response. Subaru switched most non-turbo models to electric assist by the 2015 platform change, so swapping across power-assist types is impractical (Reddit, Subaru Forester Forums).

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Q: What does the rack and pinion do?
A: It changes the steering wheel's spin into left-and-right motion to turn the front wheels.

Q: How long should a Forester steering rack last?
A: Many reach 150,000 miles or more if fluid stays clean and boots stay sealed (Car Talk Community).

Q: My 2017 Forester quote is $2,200-normal?
A: Yes, owners report dealer prices near $2 k for parts and labor; independent shops are often lower (Reddit).

Q: What fluid goes in the hydraulic rack?
A: Subaru approves Dexron III spec automatic-transmission fluid for all hydraulic Forester racks (Subaru Forester Forums).

Q: Is a torn rack boot dangerous?
A: It's not an instant hazard, but dirt can destroy seals; replace the boot or rack soon (Bob Is The Oil Guy).

Q: How can I spot a failing rack?
A: Look for pink or red fluid on the sub-frame, hear clunking over bumps, or feel extra steering effort (YouTube).

Q: Did Subaru recall racks for rust?
A: A 2016 service bulletin covers corrosion cracks in salt-state cars (Subaru Forester Forums).

Q: Are electric racks serviceable?
A: Tie-rods and boots are replaceable, but the motor-gearbox is serviced as a unit.

Q: Can I drive with no power assist?
A: The car will steer, but effort is high at low speed; fix the issue as soon as possible for safety (NHTSA Static).

Q: Does an alignment follow rack replacement?
A: Yes, replacing the rack or tie-rods changes toe; a full four-wheel alignment is required.

Q: Why choose remanufactured?
A: Reman racks cost less and cut emissions by reusing metal housings (HZPT Blog).

Q: What torque for the inner tie-rod?
A: About 65 ft-lb (90 N·m) per Subaru's service manual (Subaru Service Center Likhobory).

Q: Can I swap in a quicker WRX rack?
A: Yes on some older hydraulic models, but confirm bracket width and line routing first (Reddit).

Q: Does changing fluid help?
A: Flushing old ATF removes grit and moisture, extending seal life and reducing pump noise.

Q: Where can I check for open recalls?
A: Use Subaru's official recall lookup with your VIN (Subaru).

With these insights, you can diagnose issues early, choose the right replacement rack, and keep your Subaru Forester steering smoothly for years to come.