Parts for your 2020 Subaru Impreza-Steering rack

2020 Subaru Impreza Steering Rack — Purpose, Care and When to Replace

Yes, the 2020 Subaru Impreza is fitted with a rack-and-pinion steering rack featuring electric power assist (EPS). This is documented in technical references including:

• Subaru Service Manual (MY2020 Impreza GK/GT) — Steering: Electric Power Steering, Steering Gearbox (rack-and-pinion with integrated motor/ECU).
• MY2020 Owner’s Manual — Electric Power Steering system and steering warning light information.
• Subaru Genuine Parts Catalogue — lists the “Gear Complete – Steering” assembly and rack-end (inner tie-rod) components for 2020 Impreza.

On the 2020 Impreza, the steering rack converts the driver’s wheel input into precise sideways movement of the front hubs, setting toe and keeping the car tracking straight. Because this model uses EPS, the assist motor lives on the rack itself, delivering lighter effort at parking speeds and a more natural feel on the open road. It’s mounted to the front subframe for rigidity, which helps the Impreza’s tidy turn-in and stable highway manners.

Being an electric rack, there’s no hydraulic fluid to service. Routine care during scheduled servicing focuses on inspection and calibration rather than fluid changes. Technicians should check the rack boots (bellows) for splits, ensure inner and outer tie-rod ends are free from play, and confirm the mounting hardware is tight. Any knocks over bumps, on-centre looseness, heavy steering, or a steering warning light deserve a proper scan for EPS fault codes and a road test.

If the vehicle has kissed a kerb, copped a deep pothole, or been in a front-end knock, the rack and tie-rods should be measured for bend or damage. After any steering work, a full four-wheel alignment is essential, and the EPS neutral/centre position should be set with a compatible scan tool so the assist feels natural and the wheel sits straight.

Replacement racks should be OE or quality remanufactured units. During installation, the battery is disconnected, the intermediate shaft pinch bolt replaced, and torque specs followed from the factory manual. The clock spring is kept centred to protect the SRS, and the steering angle/torque sensors are initialised. Once fitted, a wheel alignment and a short shakedown drive verify feel and return-to-centre.

• Common signs to act on: uneven tyre wear, fluid-free “greasy” contamination from a torn boot, clunks over bumps, or inconsistent assist.
• Typical lifespan can exceed 150,000 km, but harsh roads, water ingress, and neglected boots can shorten it.

How long should a steering rack last on a 2020 Impreza?

With tidy roads and regular servicing, many racks run well past 150,000 km. Life can shorten with frequent kerb strikes, gravel use, or coastal corrosion. Keeping boots intact and alignment on-spec helps the rack live a long, quiet life.

If an EPS warning appears, it’s not always the rack itself, sometimes it’s calibration or a sensor fault. A quick scan and basic checks can save unnecessary replacement.

What are the tell-tale signs the rack needs attention?

On-centre play, a knock over bumps, stiff or notchy steering, and uneven tyre wear are classic signs. An EPS warning light or codes for torque/centre sensors also point to rack or calibration issues.

Any impact with a pothole or kerb warrants an inspection of tie-rods and a wheel alignment to protect the rack and keep the Impreza driving straight.

Is a wheel alignment required after replacing the rack?

Absolutely. Replacing the rack changes toe, so a four-wheel alignment is mandatory. The EPS neutral position should also be set so the steering wheel sits straight and assist is balanced left-to-right.

Skipping either step can leave the wheel off-centre, wear tyres prematurely, and dull the precise feel the Impreza is known for.