B2600i and MPV, remove brake drum and drive axles. See REAR AXLE SHAFTS & BEARINGS. On
Protege 4WD, RX7 and 929, disconnect CV joint drive axles from differential assembly and wire aside.
2. On all models, mark flanges and disconnect drive shaft. Remove ABS sensor (if equipped). On RX7,
remove rear exhaust system and differential mount on left side of pinion flange. Remove hanger mounts
and allow left side to hang down. Disconnect sublinks and remove differential.
3. On Protege 4WD and 929 models, remove differential housing assembly-to-chassis mounting bolts.
Remove differential housing assembly from vehicle. On all models, remove differential carrier-to-
housing nuts. Remove differential carrier.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Apply Sealant (8527 77 739 ) to carrier mating flange. Align marks made
during removal. Refill differential with correct type and amount of lubricant. Tighten all fasteners to
specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
.
Fig. 4: Exploded View of Differential Assembly (RX7)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Removal (Miata)
1. Raise and support vehicle. Drain differential. Mark flanges and remove drive shaft. Note locations and
disconnect wiring harness from Power Plant Frame (PPF). See Fig. 5
.
1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1990-91 DRIVE AXLES Differentials & Drive Axles - 929, B2200, B2600i, MX-5 Miata, MPV, Protege & RX-7
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:17:01 PMPage 8 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
Fig. 12: Measuring Carrier Case Spread
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
1990 TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (B2200 & B2600i)
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Brake Pipe Union10-16 (14-22)
Differential Assembly
Differential Carrier-to-Axle Housing17-20 (23-27)
Differential Carrier Bearings Cap Bolts
"P" Series Differential41-59 (56-80)
"M" Series Differential27-38 (37-52)
Differential Carrier
Bearings Lock Tab13-19 (18-26)
Drive Pinion Lock Nut94-130 (127-176) 90
Filler Plug29-40 (39-54)
Ring Gear Retaining Bolts51-61 (69-83)
Front Suspension & Differential
Drive Shaft Companion Flange20-22 (27-30)
Sub-Frame Mounting Bolts69-85 (94-115)
1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1990-91 DRIVE AXLES Differentials & Drive Axles - 929, B2200, B2600i, MX-5 Miata, MPV, Protege & RX-7
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:17:01 PMPage 21 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
1991 TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (B2200 & B2600i)
1990 TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (MIATA)
Splash Shield23-34 (31-46)
Rear Drive Axle
Axle Bearing Lock Nut145-217 (197-294)
Backing Plate Bolt
2WD72-87 (98-118)
4WD65-80 (88-109)
Drive Shaft Companion Flange20-22 (27-30)
Wheel Lug Nuts
Standard Wheel65-87 (88-118)
Styled Wheel87-108 (118-146)
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Brake Pipe Union10-16 (14-22)
Differential Carrier-To-Housing Nuts17-20 (23-27)
Differential Carrier Bearings Cap Bolts
"P" Series Differential41-59 (56-80)
"M" Series Differential27-38 (37-52)
Differential Carrier Bearings Lock Plate Bolt13-19 (18-26)
Drive Pinion Lock Nut94-210 (127-284)
Drive Shaft Companion Flange Nuts20-22 (27-30)
Filler Plug29-40 (39-54)
Front Subframe Mounting Bolts69-85 (94-115)
Rear Axle Bearing Lock Nut145-217 (197-294)
Rear Backing Plate Bolt
2WD72-87 (98-118)
4WD65-80 (88-109)
Ring Gear Retaining Bolts51-61 (69-83)
Splash Shield Bolts23-34 (31-46)
Wheel Lug Nuts
Standard Wheel65-87 (88-118)
Styled Wheel87-108 (118-146)
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Differential Assembly
Differential Carrier-to-Housing17-20 (23-27)
Differential Carrier Bearings Cap Bolts50-66 (68-90)
Differential Carrier Bearings Lock Tab14-19 (19-26)
Differential Case Rear Mounts
Drive Pinion Lock Nut87-130 (118-176)
1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1990-91 DRIVE AXLES Differentials & Drive Axles - 929, B2200, B2600i, MX-5 Miata, MPV, Protege & RX-7
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:17:01 PMPage 22 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
1991 TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (MIATA)
1990 TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (MPV 4WD)
Inner Nut61-72 (83-98)
Outer Nuts (2)13-20 (18-26)
Filler Plug29-40 (39-54)
Ring Gear Retaining Bolts51-61 (69-83)
Power Plant Frame-to-Differential Mounting
Spacer Bolt (Short)27-38 (37-52)
PPF-to-Differential Side Mounting Bolts (Long)77-91 (104-123)
PPF-to-PPF Bracket Bolt27-40 (37-54)
Power Plant Frame-to-Transmission
Side Mounting Bolts (Long)77-91 (104-123)
Transmission-to-PPF Bracket Bolts27-40 (37-54)
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Differential Carrier-To-Housing Nuts17-20 (23-27)
Differential Carrier Bearings Cap Bolts27-38 (37-52)
Differential Carrier Bearings Lock Plate Bolt13-19 (18-26)
Differential Case Rear Mount Nuts54-69 (73-94)
Drive Pinion Lock Nut87-130 (118-176)
Inner Nut61-72 (83-98)
Outer Nuts (2)13-20 (18-26)
Drive Shaft Companion Flange Nuts20-22 (27-30)
Filler Plug29-40 (39-54)
Ring Gear Retaining Bolts51-61 (69-83)
Power Plant Frame-To-Differential Mounting
Spacer Bolt (Short)27-38 (37-52)
PPF-To-Differential Bolts
Side Mounting Bolts (Long)77-91 (104-123)
PPF-To-PPF Bracket Bolt27-40 (37-54)
Power Plant Frame-To-Transmission
Side Mounting Bolts (Long)77-91 (104-123)
Transmission-To-PPF Bracket Bolts27-40 (37-54)
Wheel Lug Nuts65-87 (88-118)
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Brake Pipe Union10-16 (14-22)
Differential Assemblies
Differential Carrier Bearings Cap Bolts
Front Differential27-38 (37-52)
Rear Differential54-79 (73-107)
1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1990-91 DRIVE AXLES Differentials & Drive Axles - 929, B2200, B2600i, MX-5 Miata, MPV, Protege & RX-7
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:17:01 PMPage 23 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
1991 TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (MPV)
1990 TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (PROTEGE 4WD)
Differential Carrier Bearings Lock Tab13-19 (18-26)
Differential Carrier-to-Housing17-20 (23-27)
Drive Pinion Lock Nut94-210 (127-285)
Filler Plug29-40 (39-54)
Ring Gear Retaining Bolts51-61 (69-83)
Front Axle Components
Differential-to-Chassis Mounts49-72 (66-98)
Drive Shaft Companion Flange36-43 (49-58)
Extension Housing-to-Differential Housing27-40 (36-54)
Lower Ball Joint-to-"A" Frame75-101 (102-137)
Splash Shield12-17 (16-23)
Rear Axle Components
Axle Bearing Retainer Nuts72-87 (98-118)
Brake Drum Retaining Screws10-11 (14-15)
Drive Shaft Companion Flange36-43 (49-58)
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Brake Pipe Union10-16 (14-22)
Differential-To-Chassis Mount Nuts (4WD)49-72 (66-98)
Differential Carrier Bearings Cap Bolts
Front Differential27-38 (37-52)
Rear Differential54-79 (73-107)
Differential Carrier Bearings Lock Plate Bolt13-19 (18-26)
Differential Carrier-To-Housing Nuts17-20 (23-27)
Drive Pinion Lock Nut94-210 (127-285)
Drive Shaft Companion Flange Nuts36-43 (49-58)
Filler Plug29-40 (39-54)
Lower Ball Joint-To-Control Arm Bolts (4WD)75-101 (102-137)
Lower Ball Joint-To-Control Arm Nut (4WD)94-127 (128-172)
Rear Axle Bearing Retainer Nuts72-87 (98-118)
Rear Brake Drum Retaining Screws7-11 (10-15)
RFW Extension Housing Mount Nut (4WD)149-72 (66-98)
Ring Gear Retaining Bolts51-61 (69-83)
Splash Shield Bolts (4WD)12-17 (16-23)
Tie Rod End Nut (4WD)43-58 (59-78)
Wheel Lug Nuts65-87 (88-118)
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Differential Assembly
1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1990-91 DRIVE AXLES Differentials & Drive Axles - 929, B2200, B2600i, MX-5 Miata, MPV, Protege & RX-7
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:17:01 PMPage 24 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
CONTROL UNITS LOCATION
SENDING UNITS & SENSORS
SENDING UNITS & SENSORS LOCATION
MOTORS
MOTORS LOCATION
SOLENOIDS & SOLENOID VALVES
SOLENOIDS & SOLENOID VALVES LOCATION
ComponentLocation
ABS Control UnitBehind center of dash, near ECU.
Cruise Control UnitBehind left side of dash, above fuse block.
Engine Control Unit (ECU)Behind center of dash. See Fig. 2 .
Supplemental Safety Restraint (SRS)
ModuleBehind left side of dash. See Fig. 3 .
ComponentLocation
ABS Wheel SensorsOn each front & rear wheel hub
assembly.
Airflow MeterConnected to air filter housing. See Fig.
2 .
Atmospheric Pressure SensorBuilt-in ECU.
Brake Fluid Level SensorInside brake master cylinder.
Coolant Temperature SensorOn water outlet, at left rear of engine. See
Fig. 2
.
Cooling Fan ThermoswitchOn thermostat housing.
Crank Angle SensorOn right rear side of cylinder head. See
Fig. 2
.
Intake Air ThermosensorIn airflow sensor unit.
Oil Pressure SensorOn left side of engine near oil filter.
SRS Crash/Impact Sensors
FrontOn center, left and right front of
vehicle. See Fig. 3
.
CenterBehind center of dash. See Fig. 3 .
Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)Mounted on side of throttle body. See
Fig. 2
.
ComponentLocation
A/C-Heater Blower MotorBehind left side of dash.
Wiper MotorOn right side of firewall.
1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
ELECTRICAL COMPONENT LOCATOR 1991 MAZDA ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:15:23 PMPage 2 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
SWITCHES
SWITCHES LOCATION
MISCELLANEOUS
MISCELLANEOUS LOCATION
COMPONENT LOCATION GRAPHICS
ComponentLocation
Idle Speed Control SolenoidOn throttle body.
Purge Control Solenoid ValveOn right side of engine compartment, on shock
tower.
ComponentLocation
A/C Pressure SwitchOn high pressure refrigerant line.
Back-Up Light SwitchOn left side of transmission.
Clutch SwitchOn bracket, above clutch pedal. See Fig. 2 .
Neutral SwitchOn right rear side of transmission. See Fig. 2 .
Parking Brake SwitchOn base of parking brake lever.
Power Steering Pressure SwitchOn power steering housing assembly. See Fig. 2 .
Seat Belt Buckle SwitchOn driver's side seat belt buckle.
Stoplight SwitchOn bracket, above brake pedal. See Fig. 2 .
ComponentLocation
Diagnostic Check ConnectorOn left rear of engine compartment, near master cylinder. See Fig. 2 .
IgniterOn right rear corner of engine compartment, near fuse/relay block. See
Fig. 2
.
SRS Back-Up BatteryMounted below SRS control unit. See Fig. 3 .
NOTE: Figures may show multiple component locations. Refer to appropriate table for
proper figure references.
1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
ELECTRICAL COMPONENT LOCATOR 1991 MAZDA ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:15:23 PMPage 3 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
SUSPENSION - FRONT
1990-91 SUSPENSION Front
DESCRIPTION
An independent front suspension with MacPherson struts is used on all models except Miata. Miata uses a
double wishbone design with coil over shock absorbers. See Fig. 1
. Strut assemblies mount between steering
knuckle and upper fender panels. Strut assemblies consist of inner shock absorbers and coil springs surrounding
outside of strut tube housing.
The steering knuckle is connected to lower control arm and strut. Lower control arm pivots at crossmember and
is connected by ball joint to steering knuckle. All models are equipped with a stabilizer bar which attaches to
each lower control arm and frame. See Fig. 1
- Fig. 5 . Some models may also be equipped with Auto Adjust
Suspension (AAS). For more information on this system, see ELECTRONIC SUSPENSION article in the
SUSPENSION section.
ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES
See WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS AND PROCEDURES article in the WHEEL ALIGNMENT
section.
WHEEL BEARING
Miata, Protege & 323
Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove and wire aside brake caliper. Remove rotor.
Install a dial indicator against wheel hub and measure axial movement. Axial movement should be .002" (.05
mm) maximum. If specification is exceeded, check and adjust lock nut torque or replace bearing on Protege and
323 or hub and bearing assembly on Miata.
MPV & 929
Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove and wire aside brake caliper. Install a dial
indicator against wheel hub and measure axial movement. Maximum axial movement should be .002" (.05
mm). If specification is exceeded, check and adjust lock nut torque or replace bearing on MPV 4WD and 929 or
hub and bearing assembly on MPV 2WD.
RX7
1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove and wire aside brake caliper. Install a dial
indicator against hub and measure axial movement. Axial movement should be zero. If specification is
exceeded, adjust preload or replace wheel bearing.
2. To ad
just preload, remove grease cap, cotter pin and set cover. Loosen lock nut. Tighten to 14-22 ft. lbs.
1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
SUSPENSION - FRONT 1990-91 SUSPENSION Front
1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
SUSPENSION - FRONT 1990-91 SUSPENSION Front
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:08:53 PMPage 1 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:09:01 PMPage 1 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.