Steering Gears & Linkage - MAZDA Recirculating Ball: Overhaul: Inspection

Check ball nut rotation on worm gear. If movement is not smooth for full length of travel, replace worm and ball nut assembly. Ball nut is not to be serviced separately.
Check worm bearings and cups, sector shaft gear surface, and oil seal. Check clearance between sector shaft and housing bore. Clearance should be 0.004" (0.1 mm) or less. If any component is defective, replace it.

Fig 1: Checking Sector Shaft Adjusting Screw End Clearance
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.