Steering Shaft Removal/Installation

CAUTION: The steering column must be in the locked position, or the lower end of the steering column is to be secured or wired in such a way as to prevent the steering column from rotating, resulting in damage to the air bag sliding contact.

NOTE: Discard the upper intermediate shaft to steering column shaft bolt and the upper intermediate shaft to lower steering column shaft bolt upon removal. Do not reuse; replace with new bolts.

Remove the bolt securing the upper intermediate shaft to the lower intermediate shaft at the midpoint connection. Collapse the lower shaft. Discard original bolt and use a new pinch bolt.
Remove the bolt securing the upper intermediate shaft to the steering column assembly.
1. Remove the intermediate shaft from inside the vehicle.
2. Discard the original bolt.
Fig 1: Removing/Installing Steering Shaft
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Install in reverse order of removal.