Steering Force Inspection

WARNING:

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

Verify that the tire size of the installed tire and the air pressure are the specification.
Park the vehicle on a level concrete surface.
Disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait for 1 min or more. (See NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL DISCONNECTION/CONNECTION [(US)] .)
Remove the driver-side air bag module. (See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE REMOVAL [TWO-STEP DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM - US/CANADA SPEC.] .) (See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE INSTALLATION [TWO-STEP DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM - US/CANADA SPEC.] .)
Connect the negative battery terminal. (See NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL DISCONNECTION/CONNECTION [(US)] .)
Straighten the steering wheel.
Start the engine and idle it.
Verify that the electric power steering warning light does not turn on or flash.
Inspect the steering torque of the steering wheel using a torque wrench.

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Steering force of steering wheel (reference)

7.8 N.m {80 kgf.cm, 69 in.lbf} or less

If it exceeds the reference value, perform the steering gear and linkage inspection. (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE INSPECTION [(US)] .)

NOTE:

Comparing another vehicle of the same model under the same conditions is an acceptable inspection method.
The steering torque varies with the following conditions.