Steering Gear And Linkage Removal/Installation: Notes

CAUTION:

• Performing the following procedures could cause an open circuit in the front ABS wheel-speed sensor wiring harness if it is pulled by mistake. Before servicing, disconnect the front ABS wheel-speed sensor and set it aside so that the wiring harness will not be pulled by mistake.
• Secure the steering wheel using tape or a cable to prevent the steering shaft from rotating after disconnecting the steering shaft. If the steering wheel rotates after the steering shaft and the steering gear and linkage are disconnected, the internal parts of the clock spring could be damaged.

1. Remove the wheels and tires. (See WHEEL AND TIRE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
2. Remove the joint cover. (See STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
3. Disconnect the intermediate shaft from the steering gear and linkage. (See STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
4. Disconnect the front ABS wheel-speed sensor wiring harness installed to the steering knuckle and set it aside. (See FRONT ABS WHEEL-SPEED SENSOR REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
   Fig 1: Disconnecting Front ABS Wheel-Speed Sensor Wiring Harness Installed To Steering Knuckle

   Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
5. Remove the front under cover No. 2. (See FRONT UNDER COVER No. 2 REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
6. Remove the front under cover No. 1. (See FRONT UNDER COVER No. 1 REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
7. Remove the front splash shield. (See FRONT SPLASH SHIELD REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
8. Remove the front crossmember component. (See FRONT CROSSMEMBER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
9. Remove in the order indicated in the table.
10. Install in the reverse order of removal.

Fig 2: Steering Linkage Bolts With Torque Specifications

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

COMPONENT DESCRIPTION

1	Steering gear and linkage installation bolt (See Steering Gear and Linkage Installation Bolt Installation Note .)
2	Steering gear and linkage (See Steering Gear and Linkage Removal Note .)