Steering Column Removal/Installation

1. Disconnect both battery cables.
NOTE: Make sure the front wheels are in the straight-ahead position.
2. Deactivate the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
3. Remove the steering wheel. See STEERING WHEEL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .
4. Remove the hood release screws and position the hood release aside.
5. Remove instrument panel steering column cover and cover reinforcement.
6. Remove the ignition switch electrical connector bolt and disconnect ignition switch electrical connector.
7. Disconnect the electrical connectors.
   Fig 1: Disconnecting Electrical Connectors

   Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
8. On automatic transmission vehicles, remove the shift indicator cable (PRND21) from the steering column.
   1. Remove the bolt.
   2. Remove the cable.
   Fig 2: Removing Shift Indicator Cable

   Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
9. On automatic transmission vehicles, disconnect the shift indicator from the steering column.
   1. Disconnect the shift cable from the steering column shift tube lever.
   2. Disconnect the shift cable from the steering column bracket.
   Fig 3: Removing Shift Indicator From Steering Column

   Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
10. Disconnect the brake shift interlock solenoid electrical connector.
    Fig 4: Disconnecting Brake Shift Interlock Solenoid Electrical Connector

    Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
11. Remove the air bag sliding contact. See CLOCKSPRING .
12. Remove the upper intermediate steering shaft to column shaft bolt.
    1. Remove and discard the steering column shaft pinch bolt.
    2. Slide the intermediate shaft yoke from the steering column.
    Fig 5: Removing Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft To Column Shaft Bolt

    Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
13. Remove the lower steering column nuts.
14. Remove the steering column.
    1. Remove the nuts.
    2. Remove the steering column support.
    3. Remove the steering column.
15. Install in reverse order of removal.

Tightening Torque 

Steering Column Shaft Pinch Bolt: 26-34 N.m {2.7-3.5 kgf.m, 19-25 ft.lbf) 

Lower Steering Column Nuts: 13-17 N.m {1.3-1.7 kgf.m, 10-13 ft.lbf) 

Steering Column Nuts: 13-17 N.m {1.3-1.7 kgf.m, 10-13 ft.lbf)