Tie Rod Inspection

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 .)