# Manual steering wheel effort (NB2, non-turbo)

Canonical URL: https://miatatorque.com/spec/manual-steering-wheel-effort-nb2/

Applicability: NB 2001–2005 (BP-Z3) — Manual steering only. Other years inferred from 2003 factory evidence.

Confidence: fsm

5—29 N {0.5—3.0 kgf, 1.2—6.6 lbf}

Always confirm against your factory manual. Match every restriction and follow all stages and procedure notes. Disputed claims must not be automatically resolved. The complete record below preserves every printed unit, source claim and procedure.

```json
{
  "id": "manual-steering-wheel-effort-nb2",
  "name": "Manual steering wheel effort (NB2, non-turbo)",
  "aliases": [],
  "applies_to": [
    {
      "gen": "NB",
      "years": [
        2001,
        2005
      ],
      "engines": [
        "BP-Z3"
      ],
      "note": "Manual steering only. Other years inferred from 2003 factory evidence."
    }
  ],
  "kind": "non-torque",
  "value_text": "5—29 N {0.5—3.0 kgf, 1.2—6.6 lbf}",
  "procedure": {
    "notes": "Manual steering only. On level ground, raise the front and support on safety stands. Turn fully left and right at least five times, then center the wheels. Attach a pull scale at the outermost point of the steering-wheel spoke and measure left and right effort during one turn, starting straight ahead. This is a force measurement, not power-steering effort or a fastener torque."
  },
  "confidence": "fsm",
  "sources": [
    {
      "source": "fsm-2003",
      "page": "PDF p. 1502, 1503",
      "as_printed": "Steering wheel effort\n5—29 N {0.5—3.0 kgf, 1.2—6.6 lbf} (during one turn of steering wheel)",
      "verified_years": [
        2003,
        2003
      ],
      "document": {
        "id": "fsm-2003",
        "tier": 1,
        "title": "2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata Workshop Manual (electronic manual capture)",
        "covers": [
          {
            "gen": "NB",
            "years": [
              2003,
              2003
            ],
            "engines": [
              "BP-Z3"
            ]
          }
        ],
        "note": "Normally aspirated BP procedures audited; turbo procedures are covered separately."
      }
    }
  ],
  "jobs": [],
  "system": "steering",
  "component": "inventory-pass-2026-10",
  "componentName": "Service measurements and fasteners",
  "sequence_diagrams": [],
  "url": "https://miatatorque.com/spec/manual-steering-wheel-effort-nb2/"
}
```