Mazda TSB: Creaking, Knocking, Rattling, Clunk Noise from Steering Column (06-001/24)

[Kedis82ZE8]

Appears to be an update for 06-004/23 adding in "knocking, rattle or clunk"

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2024/MC-10249497-0001.pdf

 

[cz5gt]

oh boy.. the fix seems a new steering column

 

[edmaz]

oh boy.. the fix seems a new steering column

IMO this is another case of trying to kill a fly with an elephant gun. This is what Mazda identified as the root cause of the problem: "A steering column nut loosens due to excessive load when driving on irregular roads".

So for a nut that loosens, their solution is to replace parts that likely cost an obscene amount of $$, along with a huge labor bill as well. Just so that the torque can be increased from the 16 ft-lbs current max (presumably with a stronger holding area). Ok, if Mazda wants to pay for all of that while the vehicle is under warranty, fine with me. Full speed ahead.

But for any halfway competent DIYer, wouldn't the first thing that comes to mind be, how about trying to lock the nut in place, instead of replacing anything? I won't bother starting a list all of the separate ways to lock a nut in place, but there are lots of ways to do that. And that's most definitely what I'll try to do, if this eventually becomes an issue for my vehicle.

It's really hard for me to understand why Mazda couldn't come up with that type of solution for this problem. But OTOH, they've been working on their failed coolant control valve problem for over 5 years, and that one is actually happening quite a bit more frequently on the more recent models. So perhaps they're actually better off spending big bucks on a new part, instead of trying to fix what's wrong with the old one

 

[cz5gt]

Right. I was wondering the same.
Likely lawyers are involved. i.e liability issues. Steering is big thing. I am sure they dont want to pay and are playing the casino of how many owners will notice, then how many dealers will find the TSB.
While the noise from the sway bar bushings (another recent TSB) they say just add lube