Mazda MX-5 Miata (1997+). Manual - part 85

Fig. 1: Connecting Pressure Gauge/Valve (Typical) 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

Gear Fluid Pressure Test 

1. Ensure steering pump pressure is within specification. See PUMP FLUID PRESSURE TEST . To 

measure steering gear fluid pressure, open gauge valve completely. Increase engine speed to 1000-1500 
RPM.  

2. Turn steering wheel from lock to lock. Measure steering gear fluid pressure. Ensure gear pressure is 

within specification. See HYDRAULIC SYSTEM FLUID PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS table. If 
pressure is not within specification, replace gear.  

HYDRAULIC SYSTEM FLUID PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS 

(1)

 

 

Application

psi (kg/cm

2

 )

Miata & MPV

1102-1209 (77-85)

MX-3

1138-1152 (80-81)

Millenia, MX-6 & 626

1209-1280 (85-90)

Protege

1244-1350 (87-95)

RX7

1110-1209 (78-85)

929

1066-1137 (75-80)

(1)

Specifications are measured at 1000-1500 RPM, with fluid temperature at 122-140°F (50-60°C).

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

STEERING SYSTEM - POWER RACK & PINION 1997 STEERING Mazda Power Rack & Pinion

  

LUBRICATION 

FLUID CAPACITY 

POWER STEERING FLUID CAPACITY 

FLUID TYPE 

Dexron-II or Mazda M-III fluid is recommended for all models. 

FLUID LEVEL CHECK 

Check fluid level on oil pump dipstick (if equipped) or reservoir. Fluid should be between marks on level gauge 
dipstick (if equipped) or reservoir. If fluid level is low, fill as necessary. Recheck fluid level. DO NOT overfill. 

HYDRAULIC SYSTEM BLEEDING 

1. Raise and support front of vehicle. With ignition off, turn steering wheel from lock to lock several times. 

Check fluid level. Add fluid as necessary. Repeat procedure until fluid level no longer decreases.  

2. Start engine and operate at idle. Turn steering wheel from lock to lock 5 times. Check fluid level. Add 

fluid as necessary. Continue procedure until fluid is clear of air bubbles and does not decrease in level.  

ADJUSTMENTS 

PINION PRELOAD 

Miata & Protege 

1. Ensure steering rack is in center position. Using Protractor (49-D032-316 ) and a torque wrench, tighten 

adjusting cover to 43 INCH lbs. (4.9 N.m), then loosen adjusting cover. See Fig. 2 . Repeat loosening and 
tightening procedure 3 times. After tightening adjusting cover the third time, loosen adjusting cover 25 

Application

Qts. (L)

Miata & Protege

.85 (.80)

MPV

.95 (.90)

MX-3

4-Cylinder

.85 (.80)

V6

1.27 (1.20)

Millenia, MX-6 & 626

1.32 (1.25)

RX7

1.01 (.96)

929

1.80 (1.70)

NOTE:

Pinion preload should be checked when steering gear assembly has been 
disassembled or overhauled. Check preload after steering gear assembly has 
been reassembled, but tie rods have not yet been installed.

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

STEERING SYSTEM - POWER RACK & PINION 1997 STEERING Mazda Power Rack & Pinion

  

degrees.  

2. Center steering rack. Install Preload Adapter (49-0180-510B ) on pinion shaft. See Fig. 3 . Measure 

pinion preload using spring scale. Pinion preload should be 2.2-2.6 lbs. (1.0-1.2 kg).  

3. If preload is not as specified, repeat steps 1) and 2). If preload is as specified, apply thread sealant to 

adjusting cover lock nut. Install lock nut. Holding adjusting cover in place, tighten lock nut 29-36 ft. lbs. 
(39-49 N.m) on Protege or 44-54 ft. lbs. (60-73 N.m) on Miata.  

Fig. 2: Tightening Adjusting Cover (Miata Shown; Others Are Similar) 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

STEERING SYSTEM - POWER RACK & PINION 1997 STEERING Mazda Power Rack & Pinion

  

Fig. 3: Checking Pinion Preload (Miata Shown; Others Are Similar) 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

Millenia 

1. Ensure steering rack is in center position. Using Protractor (49-D032-316 ) and a torque wrench, tighten 

adjusting cover 14-22 ft. lbs. (19-30 N.m), then loosen cover. Again, tighten adjusting cover to 15 ft. lbs. 
(20 N.m), then loosen adjusting cover 25-35 degrees.  

2. Apply thread sealant to exposed adjusting cover threads. Install and tighten adjusting cover lock nut 37-

50 ft. lbs. (50-68 N.m). Install Preload Adapter (49-0180-510B ) on pinion shaft. See Fig. 3 . Measure 
pinion preload using spring scale. Pinion preload shoul d be 1.8-3.3 lbs. (.8-1.5 kg). If preload is not as 
specified, repeat steps 1) and 2).  

MPV 

1. Ensure steering rack is in center position. Using Protractor (49-D032-316 ) and a torque wrench, tighten 

adjusting cover to 15 ft. lbs. (20 N.m), then loosen cover. Again, tighten adjusting cover to 15 ft. lbs. (20 
N.m) then loosen cover.  

2. Tighten adjusting cover 44-56 INCH lbs. (5.0-6.3 N.m), then loosen adjusting cover 35-45 degrees. 

Apply thread sealant to exposed adjusting cover threads. Install and tighten adjusting cover lock nut 37-
43 ft. lbs. (50-58 N.m).  

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

STEERING SYSTEM - POWER RACK & PINION 1997 STEERING Mazda Power Rack & Pinion