Mazda MX-5 Miata (1997+). Manual - part 102

To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten driver air bag module bolts or nuts to specification. See 
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table. Activate air bag system. See AIR BAG DISABLING & 
ACTIVATING . Check AIR BAG warning light to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM 
OPERATION CHECK . 

STEERING WHEEL 

Removal 

Set front wheels in straight-ahead position. Disconnect negative battery cable. Disable air bag system. See AIR 
BAG DISABLING & ACTIVATING . Remove driver air bag module. See DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE . 
Mark steering wheel and shaft for reassembly reference. Remove steering wheel nut. Using appropriate puller, 
remove steering wheel. 

Installation 

Ensure front wheels are in straight-ahead position. Install steering wheel, ensuring reference marks are aligned. 
Tighten steering wheel nut to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table. To install remaining 
components, reverse removal procedure. 

COMBINATION SWITCH 

Removal 

1. Before proceeding, follow air bag service precautions. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag 

system. See AIR BAG DISABLING & ACTIVATING .  

2. Remove driver air bag module. See DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE . Remove steering wheel. See 

STEERING WHEEL . Remove upper and lower steering column covers. Disconnect combination 
switch electrical connectors. Remove combination switch screws.  

3. Remove clockspring and combination switch as an assembly. Separate clockspring from combination 

switch.  

Installation 

1. To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure front wheels are in straight-ahead position. Before 

installing steering wheel, center clockspring. See CLOCKSPRING CENTERING under 
ADJUSTMENTS. Tighten steering wheel nut to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table. 

2. After installation, activate air bag system. See AIR BAG DISABLING & ACTIVATING . Check AIR 

BAG warning light to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .  

IGNITION SWITCH/STEERING LOCK ASSEMBLY 

Removal & Installation 

1. Remove driver air bag module, steering wheel and combination switch. See the following: 



DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE . 

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

STEERING COLUMN 1995-97 STEERING Mazda Motors Corp. - Steering Columns

  



STEERING WHEEL .  



COMBINATION SWITCH .  

Disconnect ignition switch connectors. Remove key interlock cable from ignition switch/steering lock 
assembly (if equipped).  

2. Using a hammer and chisel, make a groove in ignition switch/steering lock assembly shear screws. 

Remove 2 shear screws with screwdriver. Remove ignition switch/steering lock assembly. To install, 
reverse removal procedure. Tighten NEW shear screws until heads break off.  

STEERING COLUMN 

Removal & Installation 

1. Remove driver air bag module, steering wheel and combination switch. See the following: 



DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE .  



STEERING WHEEL .  



COMBINATION SWITCH .  

See Fig. 5 -11 . Remove ignition switch/steering lock assembly. See IGNITION SWITCH/STEERING 
LOCK ASSEMBLY under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.  

2. Remove lower panel. Remove air duct (if equipped). Remove "U" joint dust cover (if equipped). Remove 

steering shaft assembly-to-intermediate shaft "U" joint bolt. Mark steering shaft assembly-to-intermediate 
shaft for installation reference. On MPV, disconnect shift lever mechanism.  

3. On all models, remove steering column lower mounting bolts. Separate steering shaft from intermediate 

shaft. Remove steering column upper bracket bolts. Remove steering column.  

4. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts and nuts to specification. See TORQUE 

SPECIFICATIONS table.  

CAUTION: Excessive pressure or impact to steering shaft assembly during service 

may cause column to collapse.

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

STEERING COLUMN 1995-97 STEERING Mazda Motors Corp. - Steering Columns

  

Fig. 5: Exploded View Of Steering Column (Miata) 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

STEERING COLUMN 1995-97 STEERING Mazda Motors Corp. - Steering Columns

  

Fig. 6: Exploded View Of Steering Column (Millenia) 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

STEERING COLUMN 1995-97 STEERING Mazda Motors Corp. - Steering Columns