Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring. Manual - part 546

Fig. 24: Pressing Mounting Rubber Out From Gear Housing Using SSTs And Press 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE INSPECTION 

RACK INSPECTION 

1. Inspect the rack for cracking, damage, and tooth wear. Replace it if necessary.  

2. Measure the runout of the rack. 

Steering rack runout  

Near point A: 0.15 mm {0.006 in} max.  

Near point B: 0.20 mm {0.008 in} max.  

3. If not within the specification, replace the rack. 

Fig. 25: Measuring Runout Of Rack 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

TIE-ROD END INSPECTION 

1. Inspect the tie-rod end for damage and boot cracks. Replace it if necessary.  

2. Inspect the ball joint for looseness. Replace the tie-rod end if necessary. 

 

2008 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 

2008 STEERING Power Steering - Mazda CX-9

  

Microsoft 

 

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3. Rotate the ball joint five times.  

4. Measure the rotation torque of the ball joint using the SST and a pull scale. 

Tie-rod end rotational torque 0.4-2.7 N.m {4.1-27.5 kgf.cm, 3.6-23.8 in.lbf}  

[Pull scale reading: 3.4-25.5 N {0.35-2.60 kgf, 0.8-5.7 lbf}]  

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

Fig. 26: Measuring Rotation Torque Of Ball Joint Using And Pull Scale 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

TIE ROD INSPECTION 

1. Inspect the tie rod for bending and damage. Replace it if necessary.  

2. Inspect the ball joint for looseness. Replace the tie rod if necessary.  

3. Swing the tie rod five times.  

4. Measure the swinging torque using a pull scale. 

Tie-rod swing torque 0.1-4.0 N.m {1.1-40 kgf.cm, 0.89-35 in.lbf}  

[Pull scale reading: 1.0-40.0 N {0.2-4.0 kgf, 0.23-8.99 lbf}]  

5. If not within the specification, replace the tie rod. 

 

2008 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 

2008 STEERING Power Steering - Mazda CX-9

  

Microsoft 

 

Sunday, November 15, 2009 10:20:34 AM

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© 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. 

Fig. 27: Measuring Swinging Torque Using Pull Scale
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE ASSEMBLY 

1. Assemble in the order indicated in the table. 

CAUTION:



Place copper plates, rag, or similar material in a vise, when securing 
the mounting bracket portion of the steering gear.  

 

2008 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 

2008 STEERING Power Steering - Mazda CX-9

  

Microsoft 

 

Sunday, November 15, 2009 10:20:34 AM

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© 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. 

Fig. 28: Identifying Steering Gear, Linkage Assembly Order & Torque Specifications 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

MOUNTING RUBBER ASSEMBLY NOTE 

 

2008 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 

2008 STEERING Power Steering - Mazda CX-9

  

Microsoft 

 

Sunday, November 15, 2009 10:20:35 AM

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© 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.