Tie Rod Inspection

1. Remove the steering gear and linkage. (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
2. Remove the tie rod. (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE DISASSEMBLY .)
3. Verify that there is no damage to or twisting of the tie rod.
   • If there is any malfunction, replace the tie rod. (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE ASSEMBLY .)
4. Inspect the tie rod for excessive play.
   • If there is any malfunction, replace the tie rod. (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE ASSEMBLY .)
5. Swing the tie rod 10 times.
6. Measure the swing torque of the tie rod using a pull scale.

Fig 1: Measuring Swing Torque Of Tie Rod Using Pull Scale

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Tie rod swing torque 

0.4-4.0 N.m {4.1-40 kgf.cm, 3.6-35 in.lbf} [Pull scale reading: 3-30 N {0.4-3.0 kgf, 0.7-6.7 lbf}]

• If not within the specification, replace the tie rod. (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE ASSEMBLY .)