Tie Rod Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 Mazda 3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the steering gear and linkage. (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Remove the tie rod. (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE DISASSEMBLY .)
Inspect for bending and damage.
- If there is any malfunction, replace the tie rod. (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE ASSEMBLY .)
Inspect for excessive play.
- If there is any malfunction, replace the tie rod. (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE ASSEMBLY .)
Rock the tie rod back and forth 5 times.
Measure the swing torque of the tie rod using a pull scale.

Fig 1: Measuring Swing Torque Of Tie Rod Using Pull Scale
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Tie rod swing torque

0.4-4.0 N.m {4.1-40 kgf.cm, 3.6-35 in.lbf} [Pull scale reading: 2.6-26.0 N {0.3-2.6 kgf, 0.6-5.8 lbf}]
- If not within the specification, replace the tie rod. (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE ASSEMBLY .)