Steering Column Removal/Installation

Turn the steering wheel to the straight-ahead position and turn the ignition switch to the off position.
Remove the air bag sliding contact, see AIR BAG SLIDING CONTACT (CLOCKSPRING) REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .
Disconnect the ignition switch electrical connector.
Disconnect the electrical connectors.

Fig 1: Disconnecting Electrical Connectors
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
On automatic transmission vehicles, remove the shift indicator cable (PRND21) from the steering column.
1. Remove the bolt.
2. Remove the cable.
  
  Fig 2: Removing Shift Indicator Cable From Steering Column - With Torque Specification
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
On automatic transmission vehicles, disconnect the shift indicator from the steering column.
1. Disconnect the shift cable from the steering column shift tube lever.
2. Disconnect the shift cable from the steering column bracket.
  
  Fig 3: Disconnecting Shift Cable From Steering Column Bracket
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the brake shift interlock solenoid electrical connector.

Fig 4: Disconnecting Brake Shift Interlock Solenoid Electrical Connector
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the upper intermediate steering shaft to column shaft bolt.
1. Remove and discard the steering column shaft pinch bolt.
2. Slide the intermediate shaft yoke from the steering column.
  
  Fig 5: Removing Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft To Column Shaft Bolt - With Torque Specification
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the lower steering column nuts.

Fig 6: Removing Lower Steering Column Nuts - With Torque Specification
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the steering column.
- Remove the nuts.
- Remove the steering column support.
- Remove the steering column.
  
  Fig 7: Removing Steering Column Nuts - With Torque Specification
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Install in reverse order of removal.
NOTE:
- Install a new pinch bolt.
Tightening torque

Steering Column Shaft Pinch Bolt

30 N.m {3.1 kgf.m, 22 ft.lbf}

Lower Steering Column Nuts

15 N.m {1.5 kgf.m, 11 ft.lbf}

Steering Column Nuts

15 N.m {1.5 kgf.m, 11 ft.lbf}