Steering Rack Assembly Note

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mazda 3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Apply grease to the rack teeth.
Install a plastic bag to the rack teeth and insert the steering rack in the gear housing.

Fig 1: Identifying Plastic Bag On Steering Rack
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.