Steering Shaft Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Mazda CX-3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING:

Handling the driver-side air bag module improperly can accidentally deploy the air bag module, which may seriously injure you. Read the air bag system service warnings and cautions before handling the air bag module. (See AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE WARNINGS [STANDARD DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM] .) (See AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE CAUTIONS [STANDARD DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM] .) (See AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE WARNINGS [TWO-STEP DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM] .) (See AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE CAUTIONS [TWO-STEP DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM] .)

Disconnect the negative battery cable and wait for 1 min or more. (See NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE DISCONNECTION/CONNECTION .)
Remove the driver-side air bag module. (See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE REMOVAL [TWO-STEP DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM] .) (See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE INSTALLATION [TWO-STEP DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM] .) (See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE REMOVAL [STANDARD DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM] .) (See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE INSTALLATION [STANDARD DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM] .)
Straighten the steering wheel.
Remove the lockbolt.

Fig 1: Removing Lockbolt
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the steering wheel using any commercially available puller.
CAUTION:
- Do not try to remove the steering wheel by hitting the shaft with a hammer. The steering column will be damaged.
Remove the following parts:
1. Driver-side front scuff plate (See FRONT SCUFF PLATE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
2. Driver-side front side trim (See FRONT SIDE TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
3. Hood release lever (See HOOD RELEASE LEVER AND RELEASE CABLE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
4. Fuel-filler lid opener lever (See FUEL-FILLER LID OPENER AND LEVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Partially peel back the seaming welt.
Remove the driver-side lower panel. (See DRIVER-SIDE LOWER PANEL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Remove the column cover. (See COLUMN COVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Inspect the steering column bearing for looseness and damage.
- If there is any malfunction, replace the steering column. (See STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Verify that the bracket surface shown in the figure is further towards the rear of the vehicle than the capsule surface.

Fig 2: Identifying Steering Column Component Bracket Surface
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
- If the bracket surface is further towards the front of the vehicle than the capsule surface, replace the steering column component. (See STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
NOTE:
- If the bracket surface is further towards the front of the vehicle than the capsule surface, the impact absorbing mechanism of the steering column will operate, therefore it will be necessary to replace the steering column component.