Mazda MX-5 Miata / Grand Touring. Manual - part 152

Fig. 39: Tightening Holder To Specified Torque 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

5. After tightening the holder, crimp the cylinder end as shown in Fig. 40 using a flathead screwdriver so 

that the holder does not loosen. 

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 STEERING Power Steering - MX-5 Miata

  

Fig. 40: Crimping Cylinder End Using Flathead Screwdriver 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

PINION PLUG ASSEMBLY NOTE 

1. Tighten the pinion plug using the SST . 

Tightening torque  

39.2-44.1 N.m {4.00-4.49 kgf.m, 29.0-32.5 ft.lbf}

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 STEERING Power Steering - MX-5 Miata

  

Fig. 41: Tightening Pinion Plug Using SST 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

ADJUSTING COVER ASSEMBLY NOTE 

1. Set the rack to the center position.  

2. Tighten the adjusting cover to 20 N.m {2.0 kgf.m, 15 ft.lbf} .  

3. Rotate the pinion shaft thoroughly three times to make sure that the pinion shaft and the rack engage 

smoothly, then loosen the adjusting cover.  

4. Retighten the adjusting cover to 4.9 N.m {0.5 kgf.m, 3.6 ft.lbf} , then loosen it about 0 to 15° using the 

SST . 

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 STEERING Power Steering - MX-5 Miata

  

Fig. 42: Tightening Adjusting Cover 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

5. Measure the rotation torque in the range +/-90+/- from the pinion gear neutral point using a SST and a 

pull-scale. 



If not within the specification, repeat Steps 2 - 4 .  

Pinion shaft rotation torque  

Center of rack +/-90+/-: 0.98-1.38 N.m {10.0-14.0 kgf.cm, 8.7-12.2 in.lbf}  

[Pull scale reading: 9.8-13.8 N {1.00-1.40 kgf, 2.21-3.10 lbf}]  

Except center of rack +/-90+/-: Less than 1.87 N.m {19.1 kgf.cm, 16.6 in.lbf}  

[Pull scale reading: Less than 19.5 N {1.99 kgf, 4.38 lbf}]  

6. Apply sealant to the thread of the locknut. 

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 STEERING Power Steering - MX-5 Miata