Play inspection
1. With the wheels in the straight-ahead position, start the engine.
2. Turn the steering wheel to the left and right gently, then verify that the steering wheel play is within the specification.
0—30 mm {0—1.1 in}
Looseness, Excessive Play Inspection
1. Inspect the steering wheel for looseness or excessive play in the axial direction of the shaft and four locations around the steering wheel.

If there is any malfunction, inspect the following, and repair or replace the applicable part.
Column bearing wear
Looseness of the steering wheel installation part
Looseness of the column installation area
Excessive play in the intermediate shaft joint
Excessive play in the steering gear
Steering Force Inspection
1. Verify that the equipped tire size and tire air pressure is as specified.
2. With the vehicle on a hard, level surface, put the wheels in the straight-ahead position.
3. Remove the driver-side air bag module..
WARNING:
Handling the air bag module improperly can accidentally operate (deploy) the air bag module, which may seriously injure you.Read the service warnings and cautions before handling the air bag module..
4. Start the engine and idle it.
5. Verify that the power steering malfunction indicator light is not illuminated or flashing.
6. Inspect the steering torque using a torque wrench.

If it exceeds the reference value, inspect the steering gear and linkage..
7.8 NВ·m {80 kgfВ·cm, 69 inВ·lbf} or less
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
Steering Shaft Inspection
Steering Wheel And Column Removal/InstallationAdd-On Non-Genuine Parts and Accessories
Non-genuine parts and accessories for Mazda vehicles can be found in stores.
These may fit your vehicle, but they are not approved by Mazda for use with Mazda
vehicles. When you install non-genuine parts or accessories, they could affect your
vehicle's performance or safety systems; the Maz ...
Turbine/Input Shaft Speed Sensor, Output Shaft Speed Sensor [Fw6 A EL, Fw6 Ax
EL]
Purpose/Function
The turbine/input shaft speed sensor detects the rotation speed of the input
shaft (low clutch drum).
The output shaft speed sensor detects the rotation speed of the output shaft
(primary gear).
The turbine/input shaft speed sensor and output shaft speed ...
Odometer/Tripmeter
Purpose
The odometer/tripmeter notifies the user of the total travel distance or
the traveled distance over a specific interval.
Function
The instrument cluster calculates the traveled distance based on the traveled
distance signal from the PCM and displays it.
The ...