Fig. 11: Checking Pinion Installation & Position
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Pinion Assembly (RX7)
1. Using a press, install rear pinion bearing outer race in differential housing. Install center bearing outer
race. Using original rear bearing spacer, install rear bearing on Setting Pinion (49 F027 001 ).
2. Position drive pinion in carrier and install center bearing, long collar and companion flange. Tighten
pinion nut just enough so pinion can be turned by hand.
3. Place a dial indicator on Pinion Height Gauge (49 0727 570 ). Place pinion height gauge on a flat surface
and zero dial indicator. Position Gauge Block (49 0305 555 ) on top of Setting Pinion (49 F027 001 ).
4. Set pinion height gauge on top of gauge block. Set dial indicator to measure distance to lowest point
where side bearing sits. See Fig. 11
. Measure both sides. Add both measurements together and divide
sum by 2.
5. If measurement is not zero, replace pinion spacer. Spacers are available in a range of .1213-
.1366" (3.081-3.470 mm) in .001" (.03 mm) increments. Remove setting pinion, select spacer and press
rear pinion bearing on drive pinion shaft.
6. Install drive pinion, spacer, front bearing, collapsible spacer and companion flange in differential
housing. DO NOT install pinion seal yet. Press center bearing onto drive pinion using Adapter (49 1243
465A ). DO NOT exceed one-ton force or collapsible spacer will be damaged. Two different collapsible
spacers are available, ensure correct one is used.
RX7 DRIVE PINION COLLAPSIBLE SPACERS
7. Lubricate ends of long collar with grease and install. Using a press, install front bearing using Adapter
(49 F027 009 ). Press fit with a 2-3 ton force. DO NOT install oil seal yet. Install companion flange and
nut. Tighten drive pinion nut to 94 ft. lbs. (128 N.m). Turn companion flange by hand to seat bearing.
8. Pinion bearing preload at drive pinion nut should be 11.3-15.6 INCH lbs. (1.3-1.8 N.m). Adjust preload
by tightening drive pinion nut. If correct preload cannot be obtained within drive pinion nut tightening
range of 94-210 ft. lbs. (128-284 N.m), replace collapsible spacer and recheck preload.
9. Remove drive pinion nut and companion flange. Install pinion seal. Apply oil to seal lip. Install
companion flange. Using a new drive pinion nut, tighten nut to specification established for correct
preload.
Carrier Assembly (All Models)
1. Position differential assembly into differential housing. Install side bearing adjusters. Position side
bearing caps. Align marks made during disassembly. Install side bearing cap bolts. DO NOT tighten yet.
2. Tighten side bearing adjusters equally until adjuster contact bearing races. Mark ring gear in 4 locations,
90 degrees apart. Position a dial indicator against ring gear to check ring gear backlash.
3. Check backlash at all 4 locations. Ti
ghten side bearing adjusters equally until backlash is .0035-
ApplicationLength In. (mm)
Non-Turbo1.923-1.935 (48.85-49.15)
Turbo2.238-2.250 (56.85-57.15)
1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1990-91 DRIVE AXLES Differentials & Drive Axles - 929, B2200, B2600i, MX-5 Miata, MPV, Protege & RX-7
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Any modification to the exhaust system on turbo models, which reduces exhaust backpressure, will lead to lean
fuel mixtures and excessive spark advance. This could cause serious engine damage.
ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE SENSITIVE (ESD) PARTS
ENGINE OIL
FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE
HALOGEN BULBS
Halogen bulbs contain pressurized gas which may explode if overheated. DO NOT touch glass portion of bulb
with bare hands. Eye protection should be worn when handling or working around halogen bulbs.
HEADLIGHT RETRACTOR
RADIATOR CAP
RADIATOR FAN WARNING:Many solid state electrical components can be damaged by static
electricity (ESD). Some will display a warning label, but many will not.
Discharge personal static electricity by touching a metal ground point on
the vehicle prior to servicing any ESD sensitive component.
CAUTION: Never use non-detergent or straight mineral oil.
WARNING:Relieve fuel system pressure prior to servicing any fuel system
component (fuel injection models).
CAUTION: If headlight retractor freezes during cold weather operation, DO NOT
attempt to force mechanism. Headlights should be kept raised at all times
in cold weather. To raise them, use only headlight retractor switch. DO
NOT use headlight switch.
CAUTION: Always disconnect the fan motor when working near the radiator fan. The
fan is temperature controlled and could start at any time even when the
ignition key is in the OFF position. DO NOT loosen or remove radiator cap
when cooling system is hot.
WARNING:Keep hands away from radiator fan. Fan is controlled by a thermostatic
switch which may come on or run for up to 15 minutes even after engine
is turned off.
1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
FUSES & CIRCUIT BREAKERS Fuses & Circuit Breakers 1990-95 Mazda
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Removal & Installation (MX-6 & 626)
Pry ornament cap from horn pad with wide-blade screwdriver. Remove steering wheel nut. Use a puller to
remove steering wheel. To install, reverse removal procedure.
Removal & Installation (Protege & 323)
Remove 2 horn pad screws from behind steering wheel. Remove horn pad. Remove steering wheel nut. Use a
puller to remove steering wheel. To install, reverse removal procedure.
COMBINATION SWITCH
Removal (Miata & RX7 Convertible)
See STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Remove steering wheel.
Remove column covers. Remove screws and remove combination switch with clockspring connector assembly.
Installation
1. Install combination switch and clockspring assembly. Before installing steering wheel, center
clockspring. To center clockspring, set front wheels straight ahead. Turn clockspring connector clockwise
until it stops. DO NOT force it.
2. Return connector 2 3/4 turns (counterclockwise). Rotate clockspring connector further (if necessary) to
align marks on connector and outer housing. See Fig. 1
.
3. Install steering wheel. Tighten steering wheel nut to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TABLE at end of article. Install air bag module. See AIR BAG article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY
EQUIPMENT section.
1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1991 STEERING Mazda - Steering Columns
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