Adjusting Cover Assembly Note

Set the rack to the center position.
Tighten the adjusting cover to 20 N.m {2.0 kgf.m, 15 ft.lbf} .
Rotate the pinion shaft thoroughly three times to make sure that the pinion shaft and the rack engage smoothly, then loosen the adjusting cover.
Retighten the adjusting cover to 4.9 N.m {0.5 kgf.m, 3.6 ft.lbf} , then loosen it about 0 to 15° using the SST .

Fig 1: Tightening Adjusting Cover
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Measure the rotation torque in the range +/-90+/- from the pinion gear neutral point using a SST and a pull-scale.
- If not within the specification, repeat Steps 2 - 4 .
Pinion shaft rotation torque

Center of rack +/-90+/-: 0.98-1.38 N.m {10.0-14.0 kgf.cm, 8.7-12.2 in.lbf}

[Pull scale reading: 9.8-13.8 N {1.00-1.40 kgf, 2.21-3.10 lbf}]

Except center of rack +/-90+/-: Less than 1.87 N.m {19.1 kgf.cm, 16.6 in.lbf}

[Pull scale reading: Less than 19.5 N {1.99 kgf, 4.38 lbf}]
Apply sealant to the thread of the locknut.

Fig 2: Measuring Rotation Torque From Pinion Gear
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Hold the adjusting cover so as not to rotate and tighten the locknut.
Tightening torque

40.0-58.0 N.m {4.08-5.91 kgf.m, 29.5-42.7 ft.lbf}

Fig 3: Tightening Locknut
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.