# Steering wheel free play (NB2 and Mazdaspeed)

Canonical URL: https://miatatorque.com/spec/steering-wheel-play-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

0—30 mm {0—1.18 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-wheel-play-nb2",
  "name": "Steering wheel free play (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": "0—30 mm {0—1.18 in}",
  "procedure": {
    "notes": "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."
  },
  "confidence": "fsm",
  "sources": [
    {
      "source": "fsm-2003",
      "page": "PDF p. 1502, 1538",
      "as_printed": "Play\n0—30 mm {0—1.18 in}",
      "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 Wheel and Column Inspection (PDF p. 1664)",
      "as_printed": "Play\n0—30 mm {0—1.18 in}",
      "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-wheel-play-nb2/"
}
```