Tie-Rod End Inspection

Disconnect the negative battery cable. (See NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE DISCONNECTION/CONNECTION ).
Remove the front under cover. (See FRONT UNDER COVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).
Disconnect the intermediate shaft from the steering gear and linkage. (See INTERMEDIATE SHAFT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).
Remove the steering gear and linkage. (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).
Remove the tie-rod end from the steering gear and linkage. (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE DISASSEMBLY ).
Inspect the tie-rod end for damage and the boot of the tie-rod end for cracks.

Fig 1: Identifying Tie Rod End And Boot
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
- If there is any malfunction, replace the tie-rod end. (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE ASSEMBLY ).
Inspect the tie-rod end for excessive play.
- If there is any malfunction, replace the tie-rod end. (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE ASSEMBLY ).
Rotate the tie-rod end 5 times.
Install 2 nuts to the tie-rod end and measure the rotational torque of the tie-rod end using a torque wrench.

Fig 2: Measuring Rotational Torque Of Tie-Rod End Using Torque Wrench
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Tie-rod end rotational torque

0.5-3.0 N.m {5.1-30 kgf.cm, 4.5-26 in.lbf}
- If not within the specification, replace the tie-rod end. (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE ASSEMBLY ).