Steering Force Inspection

WARNING:

Handling the driver-side air bag module improperly can accidentally deploy the air bag module, which may seriously injure you. Read the air bag system service warnings and cautions before handling the air bag module. (See AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE WARNINGS [STANDARD DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM - MEXICO SPEC.] .) (See AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE WARNINGS [TWO-STEP DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM - US/CANADA SPEC.] .) (See AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE CAUTIONS [STANDARD DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM - MEXICO SPEC.] .) (See AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE CAUTIONS [TWO-STEP DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM - US/CANADA SPEC.] .)

Verify that the equipped tire size and tire air pressure is as specified.
Park the vehicle on a level concrete surface.
Disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait for 1 min or more. (See NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL DISCONNECTION/CONNECTION .)
Remove the driver-side air bag module. (See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE REMOVAL [STANDARD DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM - MEXICO SPEC.] .) (See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE REMOVAL [TWO-STEP DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM - US/CANADA SPEC.] .) (See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE INSTALLATION [STANDARD DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM - MEXICO SPEC.] .) (See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE INSTALLATION [TWO-STEP DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM - US/CANADA SPEC.] .)
Connect the negative battery terminal. (See NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL DISCONNECTION/CONNECTION .)
Straighten the steering wheel.
Start the engine and idle it.
Verify that the power steering malfunction indicator light is not illuminated or flashing.
Inspect the steering torque using a torque wrench.

Fig 1: Inspecting Steering Torque Using Torque Wrench
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Steering wheel steering force (reference)

7.8 N.m {80 kgf.cm, 69 in.lbf} or less
- If it exceeds the reference value, inspect the steering gear and linkage. (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE INSPECTION .)
  NOTE:
  - Comparing another vehicle of the same model under the same conditions is an acceptable inspection method.
  - The steering torque varies with the conditions indicated below.
    
    Road conditions: Such as dry, wet, asphalt, or concrete
    
    Tire condition: Such as brand, wear, and tire pressure