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2016 – MX-5 – Steering

STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN INSPECTION

Play Inspection

1. With the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position, start the engine.

2. Turn the steering wheel to the left and right gently, then verify that the steering wheel play is within the specification.

Steering wheel play

• 0—30 mm {0—1.1 in}

Looseness, Excessive Play Inspection

1. Inspect the steering wheel for looseness or excessive play in the axial direction of the shaft and four locations around the steering wheel.

• If there is any malfunction, inspect the following, and repair or replace the applicable part.

• Column bearing wear

• Looseness of the steering wheel installation part

• Looseness of the column installation area

• Excessive play in the intermediate shaft joint

• Excessive play in the steering gear

Tilt Mechanism Operation Inspection

CAUTION:

• If the tilt lever is released without the steering column secured to the vehicle, it may cause a malfunction. Always release the tilt lever with the steering column secured to the vehicle.

1. Inspect the tilt mechanism operation for the following.

a. Tilt lever can be released smoothly from the locked condition.

b. The steering column can be secured by locking the tilt lever.

• If there is any malfunction, replace the steering column. (See STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)

Steering Force Inspection

WARNING:

• Handling the driver-side air bag module improperly can accidentally deploy the air bag module, which may seriously injure you. Read the air bag system service warnings and cautions before handling the air bag module. (See AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE WARNINGS [STANDARD DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM].) (See AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE CAUTIONS [STANDARD DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM].) (See AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE WARNINGS [TWO-STEP DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM].) (See AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE CAUTIONS [TWO-STEP DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM].)

1. Verify that the equipped tire size and tire air pressure is as specified.

2. Park the vehicle on a level concrete surface.

3. Disconnect the negative battery cable and wait for 1 min or more. (See NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE DISCONNECTION/CONNECTION.)

4. Remove the driver-side air bag module. (See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE REMOVAL [STANDARD DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM].) (See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE INSTALLATION [STANDARD DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM].) (See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE REMOVAL [TWO-STEP DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM].) (See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE INSTALLATION [TWO-STEP DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM].)

5. Connect the negative battery cable. (See NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE DISCONNECTION/CONNECTION.)

6. Straighten the steering wheel.

7. Start the engine and idle it.

8. Verify that the power steering malfunction indicator light is not illuminated.

9. Inspect the steering force using a torque wrench.

Steering wheel steering force (reference)

• 7.8 N·m {80 kgf·cm, 69 in·lbf} or less

• If it is outside of the reference value, perform the steering gear and linkage inspection. (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE INSPECTION.)

NOTE:

• Comparing another vehicle of the same model under the same conditions is an acceptable inspection method.

• The steering torque varies with the conditions indicated below.

• Road conditions: Such as dry, wet, asphalt, or concrete

• Tire condition: Such as brand, wear, and tire pressure

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