Steering Columns: Removal & Installation Mazda MX-5 NB

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

Removal

Before proceeding, follow air bag service precautions. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See 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

To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten driver air bag module bolts or nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Activate air bag system. See AIR BAG DISABLING & ACTIVATING . Check AIR BAG warning light to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .

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.

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 . To install remaining components, reverse removal procedure.

1. Before proceeding, follow air bag service precautions. See «SERVICE PRECAUTIONS»(ref-2900-S26723749102000041400000) . Disable air bag system. See «AIR BAG DISABLING & ACTIVATING»(ref-2900-S12192123262000041400000) .
2. Remove driver air bag module. See «DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE»(ref-2900-S40604451602000041400000) . Remove steering wheel. See «STEERING WHEEL»(ref-2900-S03153862552000041400000) . 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.

1. To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure front wheels are in straight-ahead position. Before installing steering wheel, center clockspring. See «CLOCKSPRING CENTERING»(ref-2900-S34319862582000041400000) under ADJUSTMENTS. Tighten steering wheel nut to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-2900-S13644593292000041400000) .
2. After installation, activate air bag system. See «AIR BAG DISABLING & ACTIVATING»(ref-2900-S12192123262000041400000) . Check AIR BAG warning light to ensure system is functioning properly. See «SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK»(ref-2900-S01879661842000041400000) .

1. Remove driver air bag module, steering wheel and combination switch. See «DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE»(ref-2900-S40604451602000041400000) , «STEERING WHEEL»(ref-2900-S03153862552000041400000) and «COMBINATION SWITCH»(ref-2900-S28506068682000041400000) . 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.

1. Remove driver air bag module, steering wheel and combination switch. See «DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE»(ref-2900-S40604451602000041400000), «STEERING WHEEL»(ref-2900-S03153862552000041400000) and «COMBINATION SWITCH»(ref-2900-S28506068682000041400000). (Scheme 1)
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.
3. 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»(ref-2900-S20811024322000041400000).

Scheme 1