Mazda RX-8 Workshop Manual page 2401

Steering Wheel Effort Inspection
1. Verify that the equipped tire size and tire air pressure is as specified.
2. With the vehicle on a hard, level surface, put the wheels in the straight-ahead position.
WARNING:
Handling the air bag module improperly can accidentally deploy the air bag
module, which may seriously injure you. Read the service warnings before
handling the air bag module. (See
3. Remove the air bag module.
4. Start the engine and idle it.
5. Verify that the EPS warning light does not illuminate.
6. Inspect the steering wheel effort using a torque wrench.
If it exceeds the reference value, adjust the steering gear and linkage. (See
STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE
Steering wheel effort
5.0 N·m {50 kgf·cm, 44 in·lbf} or less
NOTE:
To determine whether the steering effort is satisfactory or not, perform the
inspection on another vehicle of the same model and under the same
conditions, and compare the results.
The steering wheel effort varies with conditions indicated below.
Excessive play of the steering gear
Road conditions: such as dry or wet, asphalt or concrete
Tire conditions: such as brand, wear, and tire air pressure
AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE
ADJUSTMENT.)
WARNINGS.)