16.4.1. Checking for excessive clearance
Grasp the steering wheel with one hand on each side and move it back and forth. If the clearance is more than 30 mm, the steering needs to be adjusted. If the steering wheel is moved in the directions shown in Figure 212 and excessive play (clearance) is found, this means that the steering column bearing is loose or the universal joints with the steering shaft crosspiece have too much play. The steering column support needs to be replaced at a Mazda shop.
Figure 212. Checking the steering for excessive play. Move the steering wheel in the directions indicated by the arrows.
To check the steering for proper alignment, use a spring dynamometer:
- Hang the spring dynamometer on the steering wheel spoke using the hook.
- Place the front of the car on jack stands and level the wheels.
- With the power steering installed, start the engine and move the steering wheel back and forth several times to warm up the fluid in the steering system. After this, set the steering wheel to a level position.
- Pull the spring dynamometer downwards and check whether the following readings are achieved:
(The article is copied from the website www.MazBook.ru)
With mechanical steering, the readings should be between 0.5 and 2.5 kg. With the steering set to the appropriate engine speed, the readings should be between 2.6 and 3.2 kg.
With electronic steering, the readings should be 1.7-2.5 kg.
When driving four wheels, the readings should be 2.5-3.5 kg.
- The measurements are checked around the entire circumference of the steering wheel, with the spring dynamometer placed on both spokes of the steering wheel. If you are not getting any readings when driving four wheels, you need to look for a workshop f. "Mazda", since the cause could also be an error in the rear wheel steering.
- If the specified values cannot be obtained, the tie rod ball joints must be checked. If they are OK, it may be that the steering shock absorber has become loose. In the worst case, the steering needs to be replaced.
16.4.2. Removing and installing the steering column (including the steering wheel)
To remove the steering wheel, you need to have a puller for this purpose.
The steering wheel hub has two threaded holes into which the puller can be screwed.
- Place the front of the car on jack stands and disconnect the battery.
- Use a small screwdriver to press out the horn button.
- The steering wheel hub shall be designated in relation to the steering shaft (using a center punch carefully).
- Unscrew the steering wheel nut. Hold the wheel by the rim. Do not engage the steering wheel lock to block the steering shaft. otherwise the locking pin may be cut off.
- Unscrew both halves of the steering wheel trim. Disconnect the combination switch wiring harness and unscrew the switch from the steering column. Also remove the lower control panel trim.
- Remove the air duct pipe for the heater blower from under the control panel.
- Loosen the universal joint clamp bolt with the steering cross between the intermediate shaft and the pinion and also separate the upper joint from the intermediate shaft.
Figure 213 shows the top bolt with an arrow. The connection at the lower end is shown in the bottom view.
Figure 213. Steering column mounting. At the top is a bolt on the steering shaft and on the floor of the car, at the bottom is the connection of the universal joint with the crosspiece on the steering gear
- Unscrew both nuts of the lower mounting of the steering column from the body (figure 213) and release the upper earring of the column on the control panel.
- Remove the control column from the vehicle, while simultaneously removing the lower end from the connection with the universal joint.
You can try to replace the steering column bearing by taking the column to a workshop f. mazda. Otherwise, you need to pull the steering shaft down and knock out the bearing from the top end from below.
Universal joints with a cross cannot be repaired and must be replaced if damaged. A bent steering shaft or a pressed column will of course need to be replaced. The steering column is installed in reverse order. First, you need to put the universal joint with the crosspiece on the steering shaft, insert the bolt and tighten it. Install the steering wheel in accordance with the markings and tighten the wheel nuts to 40-50 Nm while holding the wheel.