Tie Rod Inspection

Remove the steering gear and linkage. (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Remove the tie-rod end and boot. (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 steering gear. (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE ASSEMBLY .)
Inspect the tie rod for excessive play.
- If there is any malfunction, replace the steering gear. (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE ASSEMBLY .)
Swing the tie rod 10 times.
Measure the swing torque of the tie rod using a 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: 2.7-27.1 N {0.28-2.76 kgf, 0.61-6.09 lbf}]
- If not within the specification, replace the steering gear. (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE ASSEMBLY .)