Genuine Mazda 323 Rack and Pinions

Mazda 323 Rack and Pinions Parts and Q&A

• Steering Gear
  BR70-32-110A
  Q: How do Rack and Pinions play a role in removing and installing the steering gear on Mazda 323?

  A:

  In order to remove the rack and pinions, first disconnect the cable under the negative terminal of the vehicle battery and wait at least two minutes (wait may take longer when the vehicle has an airbag). Unscrew the lug nuts of the front wheel, lift the front of the car upwards and place it on jackstands. Pull out the parking brake, then the wheels and then the engine undercover splash shield. In case of vehicle using ABS, disconnect speed sensor wiring harness to the strut by loosening the clamp bracket bolt. In vehicles that have power steering, position a drain pan under the rack and pinions, unattach the power steering pressure and return line and seal the ends to avoid spillage of fluid. Mark the relationship of steering column universal joint at the rack and pinions input shaft then undo universal joint pinch bolt. Take the steering column cover plates off the firewall, and reach the mounting nuts, which are underneath the dashboard. Disassemble the ends of tie-rods and the Steering Knuckle arms. In vehicles with manual transmission and power steering, the extension bar/control rod under the rack and pinions should be removed and in models from 1997 onward, the engine/transaxle should be supported by means of the extension bar then the engine mount crossmember should be removed. Make sure to support the rack and pinions and loosen the mounting nuts, and then loosen the steering column shaft to the rack and pinions input shaft and push out the rack and pinions assembly. Inspect the mounting grommets and see whether they are overly worn or deteriorated and replace them when required. Installation will require the rack and pinions to be raised into place and the input shaft and the steering shaft universal joint are to be connected, matching the marks. Install mounting brackets and nuts, screw them to a particular torque, beginning with upper bracket nuts. Install the engine mount crossmember of models from 1997 onward. Install the tie-rod ends to the steering knuckle arms and install the speed sensor wiring harness again, should the vehicle have ABS. Install the universal joint pinch bolt and screw it with required torque. In cars which have power steering, attach the power steering pressure and return hose to the rack and pinions and fill the power steering pump reservoir with the prescribed fluid. Lastly, drop the vehicle and drain the steering system.