Updated specs are available.
Steering wheel free play (NB2 and Mazdaspeed)
This spec doesn't apply to the car you selected.
Not yet checked against the factory manual for your car's year. It's verified in the 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata Workshop Manual (electronic manual capture); 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata Workshop Manual (electronic manual capture); later manuals may differ.
0—1.18 in (0—30 mm)0—30 mm {0—1.18 in}
Factory manualTaken from a Mazda factory workshop manual, with page citation.
Procedure
With wheels straight ahead, gently turn the steering wheel left and right to measure play. Excessive play indicates worn steering joints or excessive gear backlash. The power-steering inspection refers to this same procedure.
Applies to
- 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.
- Verified in: 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata Workshop Manual (electronic manual capture); 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata Workshop Manual (electronic manual capture)
Sources (2)
View 2 source citations
- 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata Workshop Manual (electronic manual capture)Tier 1
Page PDF p. 1502, 1538 · Printed value & notes
Page PDF p. 1502, 1538Printed: “Play 0—30 mm {0—1.18 in}” - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata Workshop Manual (electronic manual capture)Tier 1
Page Steering Wheel and Column Inspection (PDF p. 1664) · Printed value & notes
Page Steering Wheel and Column Inspection (PDF p. 1664)Printed: “Play 0—30 mm {0—1.18 in}”
Related service specs
- Manual steering wheel effort (NB2, non-turbo)
- Steering shaft inspection length (NB2 and Mazdaspeed)
- Steering rack maximum runout (NB2 and Mazdaspeed)
- Power steering pump test pressure (2001–2003 NB2, non-turbo)
- Power steering gear housing test pressure (2001–2003 NB2, non-turbo)
- Power steering pump test pressure (2004–2005 NB2 and Mazdaspeed)
- Power steering gear housing test pressure (2004–2005 NB2 and Mazdaspeed)