I would love to read more about this as well. The one thing I notice in my Fiat is that the steering wheel is either too far away, or my seat is too close to the wheel. I just cannot get comfortable, after a while you get used to it, but after storing it all winter, I felt like everything was just so off.

Anyone else with info on this would be greatly appreciated!

 

I think there will be lots of interest in this if it's possible.

 

Not exactly a solution but I've considered a steering wheel spacer in lieu of the telescopic adjustment.

 

I actually have the spacer....for over a year...I just haven't installed it. Trying to decide when I do..get a aftermarket steering wheel and do it all the same time.

Mike, if you've been to the Mazda dealer, I take it you've sat in the Miata and tried out the TELESCOPING feature? So the 30 mm of movement is really helpful?

I haven't @ameridan just over an inch isn't much telescoping affect...but its better then none. I'm just putting the idea out there to HELP SPEND MY FORUM brothers and sisters cash!!! lol

aloha mike

 

Vincent, I have the spacer and really like it ,,,but, if you do it, have the small harness ends that is supplied wrapped or tied down someway inside, or the dang thing will drive you nuts rattling.

 

Mike, if you've been to the Mazda dealer, I take it you've sat in the Miata and tried out the TELESCOPING feature? So the 30 mm of movement is really helpful?

 

I test drove an RF miata at the Houston Auto Show earlier this year, it really made a huge difference. Now that I've experienced how comfortable it is possible to be, I wish it was a feature on our car so bad.

 

I just took a look at the Mazda and Mopar drawings and you are right, they are identical.

That doesn't make any sense. The column would have to be different to accommodate the telescoping part.

I also think that more parts would be involved then just the steering column. There must be a clamp assembly to hold the wheel in place, and I assume at least one bezel would be different.

I took a look at Mazda steering wheel, upper column, and the Mazda clock spring parts. I saw nothing that looked like telescoping wheel parts. I looked at 2019 Club & RF.

It looks like all of the drawings I found are of the non telescoping wheel. Not very helpful.

 

@steve6225
kinda what I ran into while doing a quick search on my phone. It will definitely take some sleuthing.

aloha mike

 

We can also scout the MX5 forums. This mod, if possible, should be popular with the 2016 - 2018 Miatas.

 

Great idea. I’m not a member of any of those...I can’t do very many forums...I have a simple brain.

Aloha mike

 

I just found this. It seems that it is possible to do the swap with just the steering column required. The parts that are mentioned as needed to do the change are related to racing equipment for the Cup carhttp://longroadracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/TSB-January-24-2019-Steering-column-update.pdf

 

I just found this. It seems that it is possible to do the swap with just the steering column required. The parts that are mentioned as needed to do the change are related to racing equipment for the Cup carhttp://longroadracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/TSB-January-24-2019-Steering-column-update.pdf

@ameridan FYI

 

Excellent information @bircken

mahalo and aloha mike

 

A little digging indicates that the upper and lower covers need replacing as well (25 bucks or so for both). I'll probably jump to it... I'm envious of my wife's A5

 

If you do...please detail the parts list and any issues or ahh ha moments. This would be a great modification to a lot of people.

mahalo!!!!

aloha mike

 

... and I'll update the article I just wrote as well

 

2016 MX-5 Steering manual information. I'll continue to look for more updated info.

Steering removal etc

aloha mike

 

I'll be stopping by the Mazda dealer to check on a 2019 ND to make sure it is worth it and talk to the parts guy for more info from them. I'll keep everyone posted.

 

I'll do my part to support this noble and worthy effort.

Here are all the factory service manual pages relating to the removal and replacement of the steering column

http://www.billavista.com/spider/steeringcolumn/

 

Awesome guys!! @bircken and @BillaVista


Aloha mike

 

so I found this...on the mazda miata mx5 forum...someone has done it. It is translated from Chinese and google translation can only do so much. Perhaps one of the forum members can read the original and translate anything that was missed?

LINK


aloha mike

 

The 30mm extra reach made a difference for me. Parts are ordered and now the waiting game begins for their arrival...

 

Good to hear!!!

Aloha mike

 

Update. Parts shipped today...

 

Love it... is it frowned upon to like, follow and vote on your own thread?
Lol

Aloha mike

 

Any ideas on the start~stop switch?

“0000-08-D234 Modified start/stop wiring harness.” From the pdf

Did the number ever translate to a Mazda part? I never was able to.

Aloha mike

 

I let you know once it goes back together...?

 

Never found that part, btw

 

I almost think its a modified part by them (long road racing) maybe try give them a call..since they posted the Global MX-5 Cup Car Technical Service Bulletin #01-24-2019 perhaps they will give you a hint or two?

excited to see how this goes for you.

aloha mike

 

IT WORKS! It took me about 3 hours (with some interruptions) to get it done.

The items needed are the new steering column, the upper shroud (the bottom shroud does not need to be replaced) and the two shear bolts that secure the switch block. That's it.
Part numbers:
ND6N-32-100 Column assembly
ND6N-60-220 Upper column cover
KA01-66-154 Clamp bolt (2)

I ordered from realmazdaparts.com (University Mazda in Albuquerque) that had quick and inexpensive shipping once the parts arrived at their desk.

 

The process went like this:

Disconnect negative battery post and wait a couple of minutes
Remove steering wheel (releasing the airbag was a 20 minute deal as it took me a while to figure out the angle of the screwdriver to engage the retainers). Be very careful with the airbag plug retainers (black center piece) they're flimsy
Disconnect the white plug on the bottom of the wheel center before pulling the wheel
Remove the column shroud
Remove the turn signal and wiper switches
Remove the shear bolts that secure the switch block; I used a flat screwdriver and small hammer on the round edge of the bolt head and after a quarter turn each the came out using needle nose pliers
Unplug the wiring and move the block to the side
Remove the bolt securing the intermediate shaft
Release the wiring loom holder from the steering column
Remove the four nuts holding the steering column in place
Carefully draw out the column out
That's it!

Assembly is the reverse process using the new pieces.

 

WOW! great news! @ameridan time to update your blog.

Congratulations @bircken you da man!

Aloha Mike

 

Got it @Mike34 and thank you @bircken

If someone finds a helpful video for the tricky airbag connector, let me know and I'll add a link.