1997 MAZDA MIATA Fluid

Fig. 1: Connecting Pressure Gauge/Valve (Typical)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Gear Fluid Pressure Test
1. Ensure steering pump pressure is within specification. See PUMP FLUID PRESSURE TEST . To
measure steering gear fluid pressure, open gauge valve completely. Increase engine speed to 1000-1500
RPM.
2. Turn steering wheel from lock to lock. Measure steering gear fluid pressure. Ensure gear pressure is
within specification. See HYDRAULIC SYSTEM FLUID PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS
table. If
pressure is not within specification, replace gear.
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM FLUID PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS
(1)
Applicationpsi (kg/cm2 )
Miata & MPV1102-1209 (77-85)
MX-31138-1152 (80-81)
Millenia, MX-6 & 6261209-1280 (85-90)
Protege1244-1350 (87-95)
RX71110-1209 (78-85)
9291066-1137 (75-80)
(1)Specifications are measured at 1000-1500 RPM, with fluid temperature at 122-140°F (50-60°C).

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING SYSTEM - POWER RACK & PINION 1997 STEERING Mazda Power Rack & Pinion
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:39:26 PMPage 2 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

LUBRICATION
FLUID CAPACITY
POWER STEERING FLUID CAPACITY
FLUID TYPE
Dexron-II or Mazda M-III fluid is recommended for all models.
FLUID LEVEL CHECK
Check fluid level on oil pump dipstick (if equipped) or reservoir. Fluid should be between marks on level gauge
dipstick (if equipped) or reservoir. If fluid level is low, fill as necessary. Recheck fluid level. DO NOT overfill.
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM BLEEDING
1. Raise and support front of vehicle. With ignition off, turn steering wheel from lock to lock several times.
Check fluid level. Add fluid as necessary. Repeat procedure until fluid level no longer decreases.
2. Start engine and operate at idle. Turn steering wheel from lock to lock 5 times. Check fluid level. Add
fluid as necessary. Continue procedure until fluid is clear of air bubbles and does not decrease in level.
ADJUSTMENTS
PINION PRELOAD
Miata & Protege
1. Ensure steering rack is in center position. Using Protractor (49-D032-316 ) and a torque wrench, tighten
adjusting cover to 43 INCH lbs. (4.9 N.m), then loosen adjusting cover. See Fig. 2
. Repeat loosening and
ti
ghtening procedure 3 times. After tightening adjusting cover the third time, loosen adjusting cover 25
ApplicationQts. (L)
Miata & Protege.85 (.80)
MPV.95 (.90)
MX-3
4-Cylinder.85 (.80)
V61.27 (1.20)
Millenia, MX-6 & 6261.32 (1.25)
RX71.01 (.96)
9291.80 (1.70)
NOTE: Pinion preload should be checked when steering gear assembly has been
disassembled or overhauled. Check preload after steering gear assembly has
been reassembled, but tie rods have not yet been installed.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING SYSTEM - POWER RACK & PINION 1997 STEERING Mazda Power Rack & Pinion
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:39:26 PMPage 3 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
STEERING GEAR
Removal & Installation (Miata & MPV)
1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Raise and support front of vehicle. Remove front wheel assemblies.
Remove cotter pins and castle nuts from tie rod ends.
2. Using Puller Set (49-T028-3A0 ), separate tie rod ends from steering knuckles. Mark steering column
intermediate shaft-to-steering column gear pinion for installation reference. Remove steering column
intermediate shaft-to-steering gear pinion shaft bolt. Place reference marks on steering gear and pressure
line fitting for reassembly.
3. Disconnect pressure and return line connections from steering gear. On Miata, remove steering gea
r-to-
Used Belt.35-.33 (7.5-8.2)
MX-3
4-Cylinder
New Belt.31-.35 (8.0-9.0)
Used Belt.35-.39 (9.0-10.0)
V6
New Belt.23-.27 (6.0-7.0)
Used Belt.27-.31 (7.0-8.0)
MX-6 & 626
4-Cylinder
New Belt.30-.35 (7.5-9.0)
Used Belt.32-.37 (8.1-9.4)
V6
New Belt.24-.27 (6.0-7.0)
Used Belt.27-.31 (7.0-8.0)
RX7
New Belt.14-.16 (3.5-4.0)
Used Belt.18-.20 (4.5-5.0)
929
New Belt.23-.25 (5.8-6.3)
Used Belt.27-.30 (6.9-7.7)
(1)Belt deflection is measured at midpoint between idler pulley and pump, with 22 lbs. (10 kg.) of
pressure applied.
(2)Serpentine belt with an automatic tensioner is used. No adjustment is necessary. If pointer on
tensioner is not within wear gauge limit, replace belt.
NOTE: Use a suitable container or rags to collect fluid when disconnecting pressure
and return lines.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING SYSTEM - POWER RACK & PINION 1997 STEERING Mazda Power Rack & Pinion
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:39:26 PMPage 9 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

shaft-to-steering column gear pinion for installation reference. Remove steering column intermediate
shaft-to-steering gear pinion shaft bolt. Remove steering gear mounting nuts. Remove steering gear and
linkage from vehicle.
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts and nuts to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS table. Tighten steering gear mounting nuts in sequence: left rear, left front, right
front, right rear. Fill and bleed power steering system. Check and adjust front wheel alignment. See
SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT.
POWER STEERING PUMP
Removal & Installation
1. Remove drive belt. On Millenia, MPV, MX-6, RX7, 626 and 929, remove pulley lock nut and remove
pulley from pump. On all models, disconnect power steering pressure switch electrical connector (if
equipped).
2. Place reference marks on steering pump and pressure line fitting for reassembly. Disconnect pressure and
return line connections from steering pump. Remove pump-to-
bracket bolts and nuts. Remove pump from
vehicle.
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts and nuts to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS table. Adjust belt tension. See POWER STEERING PUMP BELT under
ADJUSTMENTS. Bleed air from system. Inspect system for leaks.
OVERHAUL
STEERING GEAR
Disassembly & Reassembly
1. Remove steering gear assembly. See STEERING GEARunder REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. As an
aid to disassembly and reassembly, use illustrations. See Fig. 7
-16 . For reassembly reference, keep
components in order of disassembly. Replace worn or damaged components as necessary.
2. On 1996-97 Miata, after installing valve housing, check clearance between gear housing and valve
housing. See PINION SHAFT & VALVE HOUSING ASSEMBLY
under ADJUSTMENT. Adjust
clearance as necessary. On all models, after steering rack reassembly, but before installing tie rods, check
pinion preload. See PINION PRELOAD
under ADJUSTMENTS. NOTE: Use a suitable container or rags to collect fluid when disconnecting pressure
and return lines.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING SYSTEM - POWER RACK & PINION 1997 STEERING Mazda Power Rack & Pinion
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:39:26 PMPage 13 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.