Tie-Rod Inspection
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- 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. (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE DISASSEMBLY .)
- 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 .)
- Inspect the tie rod for excessive play.
- If there is any malfunction, replace the tie rod. (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE ASSEMBLY .)
- Swing the tie rod 10 times.
- Measure the swing torque of the tie rod using a pull scale.
Tie rod swing torque
- 0.4-4.0 N.m {4.1-40 kgf.cm, 3.6-35 in.lbf} [Pull scale reading: 2.5-25.0 N {0.3-2.5 kgf, 0.6-5.6 lbf}]
- If not within the specification, replace the tie rod. (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE ASSEMBLY .)