Parts for your 2016 Subaru Exiga-Steering rack

2016 Subaru Exiga steering rack: what it does and when to service or replace it

Based on technical references including the Subaru Exiga/Crossover 7 (YA5/YAM) Workshop Manual – Steering section – and the Subaru FAST electronic parts catalogue, the 2016 Subaru Exiga is built with a rack-and-pinion steering rack. On 2016 models with the FB25 engine it uses electric power steering (EPS) assistance, but the core mechanical gear is still a conventional steering rack with inner and outer tie rods. So yes, a steering rack absolutely applies to this vehicle.

The steering rack converts the driver’s steering wheel input into the left-right motion that turns the front wheels. In the Exiga it’s designed to give light, consistent feel around town and steady tracking on the highway, with EPS providing assist without the need for hydraulic hoses or fluid. The rack housing, pinion, bushes, and tie rods all work together to keep the front end pointing exactly where it’s told, which is pretty handy when there are six other seats along for the ride.

As part of regular servicing, a quick look-over of the rack pays off. Techs will check rack boots for splits, tie rod ends for play, and mounting bushes for wear. With EPS there’s no power steering fluid to top up, but alignment and steering-angle calibration matter after any front-end work. Owners of Japanese-import Exiga variants that run hydraulic assist (earlier trims) should also watch for fluid leaks and pump noise.

• Tell-tales it’s time to act: free play at the wheel, clunks over bumps, uneven tyre wear, weeping at the rack ends, or a steering wheel that won’t self-centre cleanly.
• Good maintenance habits: rotate tyres on schedule, keep wheel alignment in spec, and replace worn tie rod ends before they take out the rack teeth or bushes.
• Replacement tips: choose a quality new or reman rack, renew inner/outer tie rods and boots, torque fasteners to spec, then carry out wheel alignment and steering-angle sensor zeroing (EPS). A short road test over mixed roads confirms on-centre feel and return-to-centre.

If the rack does need replacing on a 2016 Exiga, it’s a straightforward job for a workshop with the right scan tool to handle EPS centring and any steering-angle sensor calibration. Done properly, the car will steer tight and true again, saving tyres and making daily runs easier.

Popular questions about 2016 Subaru Exiga steering racks

Does the 2016 Subaru Exiga have power steering fluid to service?

On 2016 models with EPS, there’s no hydraulic fluid to change because assist is electric. If the vehicle is an earlier hydraulic-assisted import, a workshop can confirm and check the fluid condition and system for leaks.

How long should a steering rack last on an Exiga?

Many last well past 150,000–200,000 km if the boots stay intact and alignments are kept in spec. Harsh roads, curb strikes, or torn boots can shorten that. Regular inspections during scheduled servicing help catch issues early.

Is a wheel alignment required after replacing tie rods or the rack?

Yes. Any time the rack or tie rods are disturbed, a full alignment is essential. On EPS models, add a steering-angle sensor reset/centering so the driver-assist logic matches the new straight-ahead position.