Mazda MX-5 Miata / Grand Touring. Manual - part 144

1. Move the steering wheel as shown in Fig. 7 to inspect for column bearing wear, steering shaft joint play, 

steering wheel looseness, and column looseness. 



Repair or replace as necessary.  

Fig. 7: Inspecting Steering Wheel Play 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

STEERING WHEEL EFFORT INSPECTION 

1. Inspect the following points: 



Tire size and tire pressure  



Fluid level  



Drive belt deflection  

2. With the vehicle on a hard, level surface, put the wheels in the straight-ahead position.  

3. Remove the air bag module. 

WARNING:



Handling the air bag module improperly can accidentally 
deploy the air bag module, which may seriously injure you. 
Read AIR BAG SYSTEM WARNINGS before handling the air 

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 STEERING Power Steering - MX-5 Miata

  

4. Start the engine and warm the power steering fluid to 50-60°C {122-140°F} .  

5. Measure the steering wheel effort using a torque wrench. 



If not within the specification, verify the following: 



No air in steering system  



No fluid leakage at hose or connectors  



Function of oil pump and steering gear  

Steering wheel effort  

7.8 N.m {80 kgf.cm, 58 in.lbf} max.  

Fig. 8: Measuring Steering Wheel Effort Using Torque Wrench 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

bag module. (See AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE WARNINGS .) 
(See AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE CAUTIONS .)  

NOTE:



To determine whether the steering effort is satisfactory or not, 
perform the inspection on another vehicle of the same model and 
under the same conditions, and compare the results.  

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 STEERING Power Steering - MX-5 Miata

  

STEERING SHAFT INSPECTION 

1. Inspect the following. 

1. Column bearing for damage  

2. Steering shaft length 



Replace the steering shaft component as necessary.  

Steering shaft length  

247.3 mm {9.736 in}  

Fig. 9: Identifying Steering Shaft Length 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

2. Inspect the tilt operation. 

1. Verify that the adjusting lever moves smoothly from unlock position to lock position.  

2. Verify that the steering shaft is fixed firmly when the adjusting lever is locked. 



Replace the steering shaft component as necessary. 



The steering wheel effort varies with conditions as shown below. 



Road conditions, such as dry or wet, and asphalt or concrete.  



Tire conditions, such as brand, wear, and tire pressure.  

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 STEERING Power Steering - MX-5 Miata

  

Fig. 10: Inspecting Tilt Operation 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN REMOVAL/INSTALLATION 

1. Remove in the order indicated in Fig. 11.  

2. Install in the reverse order of removal.  

3. If the steering lock component of a vehicle equipped with the advanced keyless system is replaced, 

perform the following procedure after installation. 



Without immobilizer system 



Steering lock unit programming (See STEERING LOCK UNIT ID CODE 
REGISTRATION[ADVANCED KEYLESS SYSTEM] .)  



With immobilizer system 



Immobilizer system resetting (See IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM COMPONENT 
REPLACEMENT/KEY ADDITION AND CLEARING[ADVANCED KEYLESS 

WARNING:



Handling the air bag module improperly can accidentally deploy the 
air bag module, which may seriously injure you. Read AIR BAG 
SYSTEM WARNINGS before handling the air bag module. (See AIR 
BAG SYSTEM SERVICE WARNINGS .) (See AIR BAG SYSTEM 
SERVICE CAUTIONS .)  

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 STEERING Power Steering - MX-5 Miata