Mazda 3 Service Manual: Steering Gear And Linkage Inspection

Steering Rack Inspection

1. Inspect for cracking, damage, and tooth wear.

• If there is any malfunction, replace the steering rack.

2. Measure the steering rack warp.

• If it exceeds the maximum specification, replace the steering rack.

Steering rack runout

• Large diameter portion (near point A): 0.15 mm {0.006 in} max.

• Small diameter portion (near point B): 0.20 mm {0.008 in} max.

Tie-rod End Inspection

1. Inspect the tie-rod end for damage and the boot for cracks.

• If there is any malfunction, replace the tie-rod end.

2. Inspect for excessive play.

• If there is any malfunction, replace the tie-rod end.

3. Rotate the ball joint 5 times

.

4. Install two nuts to the ball joint and measure the tie-rod end rotational torque using a torque wrench.

• If not within the specification, replace the tie-rod end.

Tie-rod end rotational torque

• 0.5—3.0 N·m {5.1—30 kgf·cm, 4.5—26 in·lbf}

Tie rod Inspection

1. Inspect for bending and damage.

• If there is any malfunction, replace the tie rod.

2. Inspect for excessive play.

• If there is any malfunction, replace the tie rod.

3. Swing the ball joint 10 times

.

4. Measure the ball joint swing torque using a pull scale.

• If it exceeds the specification, replace the tie rod.

Tie rod swing torque

• 0.4—4.0 N·m {4.1—40 kgf·cm, 3.6—35 in·lbf}

• [Pull scale reading 0.6—29.3 N {0.06—2.98 kgf, 0.14—6.58 lbf}]