General steering procedures (Mazda CX-5KE)

Attention.

• It is essential to thoroughly check all steering system components for impact marks that may occur as a result of accidents or service work. Use of damaged or suspected damaged parts may result in sudden accidents due to the steering gear not working properly. Always replace damaged or suspected damaged parts with new ones.
• If the steering gear is continuously turned from lock to lock or if the steering rack frequently reaches the maximum stops, for example, during active steering, the temperature of the steering column increases (up to approximately 85°C), which can cause burns. Be careful when handling the steering column.
• If the steering column is dropped, the electric power steering control unit may be damaged internally, which may cause the steering mechanism to lose its functionality and subsequently cause an accident. It is imperative to replace a steering column that has been hit or dropped with a new one.
• If the steering column is stored in a damp place, the electric power steering system may not function properly when installed on the vehicle. Store the steering column in suitable conditions.
• Be careful when handling the steering column as it weighs approximately 10 kg and may fall and be damaged during maintenance.
• If the intermediate shaft is connected to the steering gear pinion shaft before the steering column is installed on the instrument panel beam, the steering column may damage the intermediate shaft slider/bushing/yoke under its own weight. Carefully follow the instructions in this manual.
• The universal joint can be damaged by impact when disconnecting the intermediate shaft from the steering gear pinion shaft. Be careful when performing work, avoiding impacts when disconnecting the intermediate shaft from the steering gear pinion shaft.
• Do not release the adjusting lever when handling the steering column until it is securely installed on the instrument panel beam. If the adjusting lever is released on a loose steering column, damage to its components may result.
• The new steering column is packaged in a pre-installed condition. It is necessary to maintain this condition until the steering column is completely installed on the dashboard beam to prevent damage during transportation and installation.
• When removing/installing the steering column, it is necessary to remove the wire harnesses from the installation area to prevent various pinching and damage.

Note:

• When installing the spare part, be careful not to turn the steering shaft until installation is complete.
• To completely cut off power to the electric power steering system, do not disconnect the battery for 20 seconds or more after turning the ignition switch off.
• Do not replace the steering column (with electric power steering system) another one intended for another car, even if their models are the same.

Installing wheels on a car

When installing the wheels, tighten the wheel nuts in a crosswise sequence to a torque of 108-147 Nm.

Disconnecting connectors

Disconnect the negative battery terminal before performing any work on electrical connectors.

Removal/installation of suspension rods

Note: To prevent twisting or pinching of bushings, work operations must be performed without passengers or cargo in the vehicle.

To install the connecting elements with rubber bushings, you need to lift the car with a lift and tighten the mounting nuts and bolts. Then tighten the connections with the specified tightening torque on the car with its wheels on the ground.

Electric Power Steering Components

Attention.

• If the EPS control unit configuration is not completed, the EPS will not function properly.
• If the components of the steering column or electric power steering control unit have been replaced, it is imperative to perform an automatic configuration for proper operation of the electric power steering.

After performing work on various components of the electric power steering, it is necessary to make sure that there are no fault codes in the electric power steering memory. If any fault codes are detected in the control unit memory, perform diagnostics of the electric power steering system.