I have a problem with my steering column it comes out about two inches when u pull on it. It does come off completely put when u shift hard and u get pushed back the whole column wants to come with u. OK so i went to the junkyard and pulled out the whole steering column minus the gearbox. But i was told that i missed up that column because it needed to come out with the gearbox. Is this true and is it ok if i just change the steering column out and put the other one in without changing the gearbox.........because for me to find another 1st gen that hasn't been raped in the junkyard is going to be a bitch...especially the ones here in So Cal.....

 

i have the same problem with mine it is caused by the collapsable steering colom being collapsed. i dont see y u cant hook a new column up to a differnet gear box but i havent messed with it yet. i missed bidding on a whole unit with the wormgear and the colomn on ebay it sold in good working condition for 135 + shipping. u can get one from mazdatrix for 500+. let me know if u try to hook up the new column to the old gear how it works out for you.

 

Yea am going to try it and if it doesn't work i'll just go get another one......but i hope it works cause taking that column out was a bitch!!!

 

Do a search, its a common problem. Your collapsible column has collapsed. Theres 2 plastic rivets that are designed to shear in an accident so you dont get speared in the chest. Theres some threads about repairing it here and over on the mazspeed forum.