Adjusting Cover, Locknut (Adjusting Cover) Assembly Note

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Mazda 6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Apply screw locking agent to the screw area of the adjusting cover, and assemble to the gear housing.
Tighten the adjusting cover with a tightening torque of 20-29 N.m {2.1-2.9 kgf.m, 15-21 ft.lbf} and then loosen.
Tighten the adjusting cover again with a tightening torque of 5.9 N.m {60 kgf.cm, 52 in.lbf} .
Return the adjusting cover to 10-20 ° using the SST .

Fig 1: Tightening Adjusting Cover
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Lock the adjusting cover against rotation and tighten the locknut (adjusting cover) using the SST .
CAUTION:
- If a tool is installed to the SST (49 E032 308), install it perpendicular as shown in the figure. If it is installed incorrectly, the SST will readily come off the locknut which could result in damage to the locknut during the servicing.
Tightening torque

20-29 N.m {2.1-2.9 kgf.m, 15-21 ft.lbf}

Fig 2: Tightening Locknut (Adjusting Cover)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Measure the rotational torque of the pinion shaft using the SST and a pull scale.
Pinion shaft rotation torque

Center of rack ±90°: 1.4-1.8 N.m {15-18 kgf.cm, 13-15 in.lbf}

[Pull scale reading: 14-18 N {1.5-1.8 kgf, 3.2-4.0 lbf}

Except center of rack ±90°: 2.1 N.m {21 kgf.cm, 19 in.lbf} or less

[Pull scale reading: 21 N {2.1 kgf, 4.7 lbf} or less

Fig 3: Measuring Rotational Torque Of Pinion Shaft
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
If it is not within the specification, remove the locknut and loosen the adjusting cover, and then repeat Steps 2 to 6.