Steering Gear Removal/Installation: Removal/Installation

All vehicles

Remove the front wheels and tires. See WHEEL AND TIRE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .
Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
- Remove the ignition key.
Remove and discard the steering column coupling-to-steering gear bolt and disconnect the coupling from the steering gear.
- To install, tighten the new bolt to 55 N.m {5.5 kgf.m, 41 ft.lbf}.
CAUTION:
- Do not allow the steering wheel to rotate while the intermediate shaft is disconnected or damage to the clockspring can result. If there is evidence that the shaft has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. See CLOCK-SPRING REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .
From the engine compartment, loosen the 2 steering gear bolts.
If equipped, remove the 3 pin-type retainers and the steering gear shield.
Remove and discard the 2 outer tie-rod end nuts.
- To install, tighten to 80 N.m {8.0 kgf.m, 59 ft.lbf}.
Using the special tool, separate the tie-rod ends from the wheel knuckles.
CAUTION:
- Do not use a hammer to separate the tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle or damage to the wheel knuckle can result.
Fig 1: Separating Tie-Rod Ends From Wheel Knuckles
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

All wheel drive (AWD) vehicles
Remove the rear transaxle insulator through bolt.
- To install, tighten to 90 N.m {9.0 kgf.m, 66 ft.lbf}.
Fig 2: Locating Rear Transaxle Insulator Through Bolt
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Front wheel drive (FWD) vehicles with automatic transaxle - 2.5L
Remove the 3 transmission damper bolts and the transmission damper.
- To install, tighten to 40 N.m {4.0 kgf.m, 30 ft.lbf}.
Fig 3: Locating Transmission Damper Bolts
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

All vehicles
Remove and discard the 2 steering gear bolts.
- To install, tighten to 115 N.m {11.5 kgf.m, 85 ft.lbf}.
Remove the steering gear from the LH side of the vehicle.
NOTE:
- For AWD vehicles, it is necessary to grasp the driveshaft by hand and apply slight downward pressure to obtain clearance for the removal of the steering gear.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.
Check and, if necessary, align the front end. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT ANGLES .