Mazda MX-5 Miata / Grand Touring. Manual - part 143

Fig. 3: Assembling SSTs 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

2. Disconnect the pressure pipe from the oil pump, and connect the SSTs . 

Tightening torque  

29.4-44.1 N.m {3.00-4.49 kgf.m, 21.7-32.5 ft.lbf}

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 STEERING Power Steering - MX-5 Miata

  

Fig. 4: Connecting SSTs 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

3. Bleed the air from the system. (See AIR BLEEDING .)  

4. Open the gauge valve fully.  

5. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel fully left and right to raise the fluid temperature to 50-60°C 

{122-140°F} .  

6. Close the gauge valve completely.  

7. Increase the engine speed to 1,000-1,500 rpm and measure the fluid pressure generated by the oil pump. 



If the pressure is not within the specification, repair or replace the oil pump component.  

Oil pump fluid pressure  

7.55-8.05 MPa {77.0-82.0 kgf/cm

2

 , 1095-1167 psi}

 

CAUTION:



If the valve is left closed for more than 5 seconds, the fluid 
temperature will rise excessively and adversely affect the oil 
pump.  

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 STEERING Power Steering - MX-5 Miata

  

Fig. 5: Inspecting Fluid Pressure (Valve Closed) 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

8. Open the gauge valve fully and increase the engine speed to 1,000-1,500 rpm .  

9. Turn the steering wheel fully to the left and right, then measure the fluid pressure generated at the gear 

housing. 



If the pressure is not within the specification, repair or replace the steering gear component.  

Gear housing fluid pressure  

7.55-8.05 MPa {77.0-82.0 kgf/cm

2

 ,1095-1167 psi}

 

CAUTION:



If the steering wheel is kept in the fully turned position for more 
than 5 seconds, the fluid temperature will rise excessively and 
adversely affect the oil pump.  

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 STEERING Power Steering - MX-5 Miata

  

Fig. 6: Inspecting Fluid Pressure (Valve Open) 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

10. Remove the SSTs . Install and tighten the pressure pipe to the specified torque. 

Tightening torque  

29.4-44.1 N.m {3.00-4.49 kgf.m, 21.7-32.5 ft.lbf}  

11. Bleed the air from the system.  

STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN INSPECTION 

STEERING WHEEL PLAY INSPECTION 

1. With the wheels in the straight-ahead position, gently turn the steering wheel to the left and right and 

verify that the play is within the specification. 



If the play exceeds the specification, either the steering joints are worn or the backlash of the 
steering gear is excessive. Correct as necessary.  

Steering wheel play  

0-30 mm {0-1.18 in}  

STEERING WHEEL LOOSENESS INSPECTION 

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 STEERING Power Steering - MX-5 Miata