* Worn Tilt Mechanism: The most common cause is wear and tear on the plastic or metal components within the tilt mechanism itself. These parts can crack, break, or become excessively worn, preventing smooth tilting.
* Binding or Stiffness: Grease or lubricant may have dried out, causing binding and stiffness.
* Broken Linkage: A connecting rod or linkage could be broken, preventing the tilt function.
* Electrical Issues (Less Likely): While less common, there might be an electrical problem with a motor or sensor in the tilt mechanism (though this is rarer in older cars like the Millenia which are usually purely mechanical).
What you'll likely need:
* Shop Manual: A factory service manual specific to your Millenia year is essential. It provides diagrams, torque specifications, and step-by-step instructions. You can find these online (often as PDFs) or at automotive parts stores.
* Tools: You'll need a variety of tools, including sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead), possibly a torque wrench, and potentially specialty tools depending on the specific issue.
* Parts: If parts are broken, you'll need replacements. These are likely difficult to find and may require searching salvage yards or specialized Mazda parts suppliers.
* Patience: This is a delicate repair; it requires care to avoid damaging other parts of the steering column.
Steps (General Outline - Consult your shop manual):
1. Disconnect the Battery: This is crucial to prevent electrical shocks and accidental airbag deployment.
2. Remove Steering Wheel: This usually involves removing the horn connector, airbag (if equipped – carefully!), and the retaining nut on the steering column.
3. Expose Tilt Mechanism: This will involve removing various trim pieces and potentially parts of the steering column shroud.
4. Inspect for Damage: Carefully examine the tilt mechanism for broken or worn parts.
5. Repair or Replace: If lubrication is the issue, carefully apply the appropriate grease. If parts are broken, they'll need replacing. This step is the most challenging and may require significant mechanical aptitude.
6. Reassembly: Carefully reassemble the steering column in reverse order, ensuring all parts are properly aligned and torqued to specifications.
Recommendation:
Unless you have extensive mechanical experience working on steering columns, I strongly recommend taking your Millenia to a qualified mechanic. Improper repair of the steering column could lead to dangerous driving conditions. The risk of damaging the airbag system also makes this a job best left to professionals. The cost of a professional repair might be less than the potential cost of a serious accident caused by a faulty repair.
