# Steering rack maximum runout (NB2 and Mazdaspeed)

Canonical URL: https://miatatorque.com/spec/steering-rack-runout-limit-nb2/

Applicability: NB 2001–2005 (BP-Z3) — Other years inferred from 2003/2005 factory evidence.; NB 2004–2005 (BP-Z3-TURBO) — 2005 factory evidence; 2004 inferred within MSM family.

Confidence: fsm

Maximum 0.3 mm {0.012 in}

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": "steering-rack-runout-limit-nb2",
  "name": "Steering rack maximum runout (NB2 and Mazdaspeed)",
  "aliases": [],
  "applies_to": [
    {
      "gen": "NB",
      "years": [
        2001,
        2005
      ],
      "engines": [
        "BP-Z3"
      ],
      "note": "Other years inferred from 2003/2005 factory evidence."
    },
    {
      "gen": "NB",
      "years": [
        2004,
        2005
      ],
      "engines": [
        "BP-Z3-TURBO"
      ],
      "note": "2005 factory evidence; 2004 inferred within MSM family."
    }
  ],
  "kind": "non-torque",
  "value_text": "Maximum 0.3 mm {0.012 in}",
  "procedure": {
    "notes": "Measure rack runout during gear/linkage inspection and replace the rack if outside specification. Also inspect cracks, damage and tooth wear. Power-steering gear inspection refers to this same procedure."
  },
  "confidence": "fsm",
  "sources": [
    {
      "source": "fsm-2003",
      "page": "PDF p. 1529, 1564",
      "as_printed": "Runout\n0.3 mm {0.012 in} max.",
      "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."
      }
    },
    {
      "source": "fsm-2005",
      "page": "Steering Gear and Linkage Inspection (PDF pp. 1694–1695)",
      "as_printed": "Runout\n0.3 mm {0.012 in} max.",
      "verified_years": [
        2005,
        2005
      ],
      "document": {
        "id": "fsm-2005",
        "tier": 1,
        "title": "2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata Workshop Manual (electronic manual capture)",
        "covers": [
          {
            "gen": "NB",
            "years": [
              2005,
              2005
            ],
            "engines": [
              "BP-Z3"
            ]
          },
          {
            "gen": "NB",
            "years": [
              2005,
              2005
            ],
            "engines": [
              "BP-Z3-TURBO"
            ],
            "trans": [
              "6MT"
            ]
          }
        ]
      }
    }
  ],
  "jobs": [],
  "system": "steering",
  "component": "inventory-pass-2026-10",
  "componentName": "Service measurements and fasteners",
  "sequence_diagrams": [],
  "url": "https://miatatorque.com/spec/steering-rack-runout-limit-nb2/"
}
```