TIE ROD INSPECTION [(E)]

id0613008029x2

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.

•  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. After disconnecting the steering shaft, secure the steering wheel using tape or cable to prevent it from rotating.

•  Do not allow the dust boot of the front stabilizer control link to touch the body, the front shock absorber and coil spring, and the hand tool. Otherwise, the dust boot of the front stabilizer control link could be damaged.

1.  Disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait for 1 min or more. (With Mazda M Hybrid) (See NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL DISCONNECTION/CONNECTION [(E)].)

2.  Remove the wheel and tire. (See WHEEL AND TIRE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)

3.  Disconnect the rubber from the bracket.

am3zzw00023157

4.  Disconnect the front ABS wheel-speed sensor wiring harness on the steering knuckle and set it aside so that it does not interfere with the servicing.

5.  Remove the tunnel cover. (See EXHAUST SYSTEM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [SKYACTIV-G (WITHOUT CYLINDER DEACTIVATION (E))].) (See EXHAUST SYSTEM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [SKYACTIV-G (WITH CYLINDER DEACTIVATION (E))].) (See MIDDLE PIPE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [SKYACTIV-X 2.0].) (See EXHAUST SYSTEM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [SKYACTIV-D 1.8].)

6.  Remove the following parts.

(1)  Front under cover No.1 (See FRONT UNDER COVER No.1 REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)

(2)  Front under cover No.2 (See FRONT UNDER COVER No.2 REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)

7.  Disconnect the tie-rod end from the steering knuckle. (See TIE-ROD END REPLACEMENT.)

8.  Disconnect the front lower arm ball joint from the steering knuckle. (See FRONT LOWER ARM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [(E)].)

9.  Remove the Floor under cover No.1. (With Mazda M Hybrid) (See FLOOR UNDER COVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)

10.  Remove the front deflector. (See DEFLECTOR REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)

11.  Remove the front splash shield. (See SPLASH SHIELD REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)

12.  Remove the joint cover. (See INTERMEDIATE SHAFT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [(E)].)

13.  Disconnect the intermediate shaft from the steering gear and linkage. (See INTERMEDIATE SHAFT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [(E)].)

14.  Disconnect the ground plate. (With Mazda M Hybrid) (See GROUND PLATE DISCONNECTION/CONNECTION.)

15.  Remove the front crossmember component. (See FRONT CROSSMEMBER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [(E)].)

16.  Remove the hole cover No.1 and hole cover No.2. (See FRONT CROSSMEMBER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [(E)].)

17.  Remove the steering gear and linkage from the front crossmember component. (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [(E)].)

18.  Remove the tie rod from the steering gear and linkage. (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE DISASSEMBLY [(E)].)

19.  Verify that there is no damage to or twisting of the tie-rod end.

•  If there is a malfunction, replace the tie rod. (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE ASSEMBLY [(E)].)

20.  Inspect the tie-rod end for excessive play.

•  If there is a malfunction, replace the tie rod. (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE ASSEMBLY [(E)].)

21.  Swing the ball joint of the tie rod 10 times.

22.  Measure the tie rod swing torque using a pull scale.

With chinese specs.

am3zzw00034942

Without chinese specs.

am3zzw00023159

•  If not within the standard, replace the tie rod. (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE ASSEMBLY [(E)].)