Steering Shaft 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.] .)

Disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait for 1 min or more.
(See NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL DISCONNECTION/CONNECTION .)
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.] .)
Remove the following parts.
1. Passenger-side decoration panel
  (See DECORATION PANEL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
2. Driver-side decoration panel
  (See DECORATION PANEL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
3. Driver-side front scuff plate
  (See FRONT SCUFF PLATE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
4. Driver-side front side trim
  (See FRONT SIDE TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
5. Driver-side lower panel
  (See DRIVER-SIDE LOWER PANEL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
6. Driver-side knee air bag module
  (See KNEE AIR BAG MODULE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [TWO-STEP DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM - US/CANADA SPEC.] .)
7. Upper column cover
  (See COLUMN COVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
8. Lower column cover
  (See COLUMN COVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
9. Clock spring
  (See CLOCK SPRING REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [TWO-STEP DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM - US/CANADA SPEC.] .)
10. Wiper and washer switch
  (See WIPER AND WASHER SWITCH REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
11. Light switch
  (See LIGHT SWITCH REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Remove the steering column component.
(See STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN 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 .)

Inspect the steering column shock-absorbing mechanism using the following procedure.

Verify that dimension A shown in the figure below is the standard.

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Standard

56.2-58.2 mm {2.22-2.29 in}

If dimension A is not within the standard, the shock-absorbing mechanism has operated. If dimension A is not within the standard, replace the steering column (See STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)

Verify that the telescoping stopper pin is not damaged.
- If the telescoping stopper pin is damaged, the shock-absorbing mechanism has operated. If the telescoping stopper pin is damaged, replace the steering column. (See STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)