Mazda 323, 626, 929, MX-5 Miata, Millenia, MX-6, Protege, RX7, MX-3, MPV steering column Service manual
Below you will find brief information for steering column MX-5 Miata, steering column Millenia, steering column MPV, steering column MX-6, steering column Protege, steering column 626, steering column RX7, steering column 929, steering column MX-3, steering column 323. This document contains information on the steering column for Mazda vehicles. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to service and repair the steering column, including: removing and installing the steering wheel, combination switch, ignition switch/steering lock assembly, and steering column; overhauling the steering column; and adjusting the clockspring. It also includes important safety precautions to follow when working on the steering column.
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STEERING COLUMN 1995-97 STEERING Mazda Motors Corp. - Steering Columns
STEERING COLUMN
1995-97 STEERING Mazda Motors Corp. - Steering Columns
DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
Steering columns are designed to be collapsible upon impact. The steering column consists of solid steering shaft with a lower joint assembly. Some models are equipped with tilt steering. Turn signal, headlight, ignition and windshield washer/wiper switches are mounted on column. Switches can be serviced by removing steering wheel and column covers. All models are equipped with air bag restraint system consisting of an driver air bag module, passenger air bag module (except 1995 MPV and 1995 Protege) and clockspring connector assembly located in the steering column.
WARNING: To avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and carefully follow all WARNINGS and SERVICE PRECAUTIONS .
SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
1. Turn ignition switch to ON or START position. AIR BAG warning light in instrument cluster should illuminate for about 4-8 seconds, and then turn off. This indicates air bag system is functioning properly.
2. If any of the following conditions exists, air bag system is malfunctioning and requires servicing.
AIR BAG warning light does not illuminate as specified.
AIR BAG warning light remains illuminated for more than 8 seconds.
AIR BAG warning light illuminates while driving.
3. If air bag system components are replaced for any reason, air bag system must be checked for proper function after repair. Repeat step 1). If AIR BAG warning light does not illuminate as specified, air bag system is malfunctioning and servicing is required. See AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article.
SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
Observe the following precautions when servicing air bag system.
Disable air bag system before servicing any air bag system or steering column component. See AIR BAG
DISABLING & ACTIVATING .
After disabling air bag system, wait at least one minute before servicing. Air bag system voltage is maintained for approximately one minute after system is disabled. Failure to wait one minute before servicing system may cause accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury.
Obtain radio code number from customer and deactivate radio anti-theft function (if equipped) before disconnecting battery.
Because of the critical operation requirements of system, DO NOT service any air bag system component. Repairs are made by replacement only.
DO NOT use an ohmmeter to check resistance of air bag module, as it may cause air bag deployment.
When carrying a live (undeployed) air bag module, ensure trim cover is pointed away from your body.
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1995-97 STEERING Mazda Motors Corp. - Steering Columns
This minimizes chance of injury in the event of accidental air bag deployment.
When placing a live air bag module on any surface, always face trim cover upward to reduce motion of module if it is accidentally deployed.
If an open circuit is present, replace entire wiring harness. DO NOT attempt to repair wire(s).
Air bag system clockspring MUST be aligned in neutral position, since its rotation ability is limited. DO
NOT turn steering wheel or column after removal of steering gear.
A double-lock mechanism is used on clockspring connectors. DO NOT use excessive force when disconnecting connectors, as damage to connector may occur.
AIR BAG DISABLING & ACTIVATING
WARNING: Wait about one minute after disabling air bag system before servicing. Air bag system voltage is maintained for about one minute after system is disabled. Failure to wait one minute before servicing system may cause accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury.
CAUTION: When battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle.
DISABLING SYSTEM (MIATA, MILLENIA, MPV, MX-6, PROTEGE & 626)
1. Obtain radio code from customer and deactivate audio anti-theft function (if equipped). Turn ignition off.
Disconnect and shield negative battery cable. Wait at least one minute for back-up power supply to be depleted. Remove lower cover panel(s) below left side of instrument panel.
2. On MPV, remove lower steering column shroud. On all models, disconnect Orange and Blue clockspring connectors for driver air bag module. See Fig. 1 . On all models except 1995 Protege and 1995 MPV, remove glove box compartment. Disconnect Orange and Blue connectors for passenger air bag module.
See Fig. 2 .
ACTIVATING SYSTEM (MIATA, MILLENIA, MPV, MX-6, PROTEGE & 626)
1. Ensure negative battery cable is still disconnected. On all models except 1995 Protege and 1995 MPV, reconnect Orange and Blue connector for passenger air bag module. Install glove box compartment.
2. On all models, reconnect Orange and Blue clockspring connectors for driver air bag module. Install lower cover panel(s). On MPV, install lower steering column shroud. On all models, reconnect negative battery cable.
3. Turn ignition on. Check AIR BAG warning light to ensure air bag system is operating properly. See
SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK . Activate audio anti-theft function (if equipped).
DISABLING SYSTEM (MX-3, RX7 & 929)
1. Obtain radio code from customer and deactivate audio anti-theft function. Turn ignition off. Disconnect and shield negative battery cable. Wait at least one minute for back-up power supply to be depleted.
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1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1995-97 STEERING Mazda Motors Corp. - Steering Columns
2. Disconnect diagnostic module connectors located at base of steering column and connect Short Circuit
Connectors (49-H066-004 ) to diagnostic module harness connectors. See Fig. 3 .
ACTIVATING SYSTEM (MX-3, RX7 & 929)
1. Ensure negative battery cable is still disconnected. Remove short circuit connectors from diagnostic module harness connectors. See Fig. 3 . Reconnect diagnostic module harness connectors to diagnostic module.
2. Reconnect negative battery cable. Turn ignition on. Check AIR BAG warning light to ensure air bag system is operating properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK . Activate audio anti-theft function
(if equipped).
Fig. 1: Disconnecting Clockspring Connectors (Typical)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
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1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1995-97 STEERING Mazda Motors Corp. - Steering Columns
Fig. 2: Disconnecting Passenger Air Bag Module Connectors (Typical)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
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1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1995-97 STEERING Mazda Motors Corp. - Steering Columns
Fig. 3: Connecting Short Circuit Connectors (Typical)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
ADJUSTMENTS
CLOCKSPRING CENTERING
Set front wheels in straight-ahead position. Rotate clockspring clockwise until it stops (DO NOT force). Rotate clockspring 2 3/4 turns counterclockwise. Rotate clockspring further, if necessary, to align arrows on clockspring and outer housing. See Fig. 4 .
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1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1995-97 STEERING Mazda Motors Corp. - Steering Columns
Fig. 4: Centering Clockspring
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
WARNING: To avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and carefully follow all WARNINGS and SERVICE PRECAUTIONS .
DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE
Removal
Before proceeding, follow air bag service precautions. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. Refer to AIR BAG DISABLING & ACTIVATING . Remove air bag module bolts or nuts from back of steering wheel. Disconnect driver air bag module harness connector(s) and support rope. Remove driver air bag module.
Installation
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1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1995-97 STEERING Mazda Motors Corp. - Steering Columns
To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten driver air bag module bolts or nuts to specification. See
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table. Activate air bag system. See AIR BAG DISABLING &
ACTIVATING . Check AIR BAG warning light to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM
OPERATION CHECK .
STEERING WHEEL
Removal
Set front wheels in straight-ahead position. Disconnect negative battery cable. Disable air bag system. See AIR
BAG DISABLING & ACTIVATING . Remove driver air bag module. See DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE .
Mark steering wheel and shaft for reassembly reference. Remove steering wheel nut. Using appropriate puller, remove steering wheel.
Installation
Ensure front wheels are in straight-ahead position. Install steering wheel, ensuring reference marks are aligned.
Tighten steering wheel nut to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table. To install remaining components, reverse removal procedure.
COMBINATION SWITCH
Removal
1. Before proceeding, follow air bag service precautions. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See AIR BAG DISABLING & ACTIVATING .
2. Remove driver air bag module. See DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE . Remove steering wheel. See
STEERING WHEEL . Remove upper and lower steering column covers. Disconnect combination switch electrical connectors. Remove combination switch screws.
3. Remove clockspring and combination switch as an assembly. Separate clockspring from combination switch.
Installation
1. To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure front wheels are in straight-ahead position. Before installing steering wheel, center clockspring. See CLOCKSPRING CENTERING under
ADJUSTMENTS. Tighten steering wheel nut to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.
2. After installation, activate air bag system. See AIR BAG DISABLING & ACTIVATING . Check AIR
BAG warning light to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .
IGNITION SWITCH/STEERING LOCK ASSEMBLY
Removal & Installation
1. Remove driver air bag module, steering wheel and combination switch. See the following:
DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE .
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1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1995-97 STEERING Mazda Motors Corp. - Steering Columns
STEERING WHEEL .
COMBINATION SWITCH .
Disconnect ignition switch connectors. Remove key interlock cable from ignition switch/steering lock assembly (if equipped).
2. Using a hammer and chisel, make a groove in ignition switch/steering lock assembly shear screws.
Remove 2 shear screws with screwdriver. Remove ignition switch/steering lock assembly. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten NEW shear screws until heads break off.
STEERING COLUMN
CAUTION: Excessive pressure or impact to steering shaft assembly during service may cause column to collapse.
Removal & Installation
1. Remove driver air bag module, steering wheel and combination switch. See the following:
DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE .
STEERING WHEEL .
COMBINATION SWITCH .
See Fig. 5 -11 . Remove ignition switch/steering lock assembly. See IGNITION SWITCH/STEERING
LOCK ASSEMBLY under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
2. Remove lower panel. Remove air duct (if equipped). Remove "U" joint dust cover (if equipped). Remove steering shaft assembly-to-intermediate shaft "U" joint bolt. Mark steering shaft assembly-to-intermediate shaft for installation reference. On MPV, disconnect shift lever mechanism.
3. On all models, remove steering column lower mounting bolts. Separate steering shaft from intermediate shaft. Remove steering column upper bracket bolts. Remove steering column.
4. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts and nuts to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS table.
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1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1995-97 STEERING Mazda Motors Corp. - Steering Columns
Fig. 5: Exploded View Of Steering Column (Miata)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
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1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1995-97 STEERING Mazda Motors Corp. - Steering Columns
Fig. 6: Exploded View Of Steering Column (Millenia)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
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1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1995-97 STEERING Mazda Motors Corp. - Steering Columns
Fig. 7: Exploded View Of Steering Column (MPV)
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1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1995-97 STEERING Mazda Motors Corp. - Steering Columns
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Fig. 8: Exploded View Of Steering Column (MX-3 & Protege)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
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1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1995-97 STEERING Mazda Motors Corp. - Steering Columns
Fig. 9: Exploded View Of Steering Column (MX-6 & 626)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
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1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1995-97 STEERING Mazda Motors Corp. - Steering Columns
Fig. 10: Exploded View Of Steering Column (RX7)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
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1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1995-97 STEERING Mazda Motors Corp. - Steering Columns
Fig. 11: Exploded View Of Steering Column (929)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
OVERHAUL
STEERING COLUMN
Disassembly
1. Remove driver air bag module, steering wheel and combination switch. See Fig. 5 -11 . See the following:
DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE .
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1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1995-97 STEERING Mazda Motors Corp. - Steering Columns
STEERING WHEEL .
COMBINATION SWITCH .
2. Remove ignition switch/steering lock assembly. See IGNITION SWITCH/STEERING LOCK
ASSEMBLY under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Remove steering column. See STEERING
COLUMN under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Turn steering shaft to remove.
Inspection
Inspect all components for damage and wear. Check steering shaft for bends, damage or sheared plastic pins.
Check bearings for excessive play. Replace components as necessary. Measure length of steering shaft. See
STEERING SHAFT DIMENSIONS table. See Fig. 12 -18 .
Reassembly
To reassemble, reverse disassembly procedure. Grease steering shaft, bushings and bearings. Use NEW shear screws.
STEERING SHAFT DIMENSIONS
(1)
Application Length - In. (mm)
Miata
Millenia
MPV
22.75-22.83 (577.8-579.8)
21.95 (557.5)
24.09-24.21 (612.0-615.0)
MX-3
MX-6 & 626
Protege
RX7
929
22.46-22.54 (570.6-572.6)
22.35-22.42 (567.6-569.6)
21.24-21.31 (539.3-541.3)
30.69-30.76 (779.5-781.5)
24.49-24.57 (622.0-624.0)
(1) For measuring points, see Fig. 12 -Fig. 18 .
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1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1995-97 STEERING Mazda Motors Corp. - Steering Columns
Fig. 12: Measuring Steering Shaft Dimensions (Miata)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Fig. 13: Measuring Steering Shaft Dimensions (Millenia)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
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1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1995-97 STEERING Mazda Motors Corp. - Steering Columns
Fig. 14: Measuring Steering Shaft Dimensions (MPV)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Fig. 15: Measuring Steering Shaft Dimensions (MX-3, Protege & 323)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
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1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1995-97 STEERING Mazda Motors Corp. - Steering Columns
Fig. 16: Measuring Steering Shaft Dimensions (MX-6, 626)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Fig. 17: Measuring Steering Shaft Dimensions (RX7)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
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1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1995-97 STEERING Mazda Motors Corp. - Steering Columns
Fig. 18: Measuring Steering Shaft Dimensions (929)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Application
Steering Column Upper Mounting Bolts
Miata, Millenia, MPV, MX-6, RX7, 626 & 929
Steering Column Lower Mounting Bolts
Miata, RX7 & 929
Millenia, MX-6 & 626
Steering Shaft "U" Joint Bolts
Steering Wheel Lock Nut
Column Lower Bracket Mounting Bolts
MX-3
Protege
Driver Air Bag Module Bolts/Nuts
Millenia
MPV, MX-6, Protege & 626
Miata
Key Interlock Cable Bolt
Steering Column Lower Mounting Nuts
MPV
MX-3 & Protege
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Ft. Lbs. (N.m)
12-16 (16-22)
13-19 (18-26)
12-17 (16-23)
13-19 (18-26)
29-36 (39-49)
INCH Lbs. (N.m)
80-124 (9-14)
53-80 (6-9)
80-115 (9-13)
71-106 (8-12)
35-53 (4-6)
35-53 (4-6)
Page 20
62-89 (7-10)
18-53 (2-6)
© 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1995-97 STEERING Mazda Motors Corp. - Steering Columns
Steering Column Upper Mounting Bolts
MX-3 & Protege 80-124 (9-14)
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Key features
- steering column removal and installation
- steering wheel removal and installation
- combination switch removal and installation
- ignition switch/steering lock assembly removal and installation
- steering column overhaul
- clockspring centering
- air bag system disabling and activating
- service precautions
- system operation check