1991 MAZDA MIATA oil

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
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1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove axle lock nut. Remove cotter pin, and
disconnect tie rod from steering knuckle. Remove and wire aside brake caliper.
2. Separate lower control arm from ball joint. Remove bolt attaching ball joint to steering knuckle. Remove
bolts retaining steering knuckle to strut assembly. Separate hub and knuckle from drive shaft. Remove
wheel hub and rotor from knuckle. Remove bearings and oil seals.
Removal (MX-6 & 626)
1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Disconnect tie rod end from steering knuckle.
Disconnect stabilizer bar from lower control arm. Remove axle lock nut.
2. Disconnect brake line from strut assembly. Remove and wire aside brake caliper. Remove wheel speed
sensor. Remove bolt attaching ball joint to steering knuckle. Remove bolts attaching steering knuckle to
strut assembly. Remove steering knuckle.
3. Remove wheel hub from knuckle using Puller Set (49-G033-1A1). Remove snap ring. Remove wheel
bearing from steering knuckle using Remover (49-G033-106).
Removal (Protege, 323 & 929)
1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove axle lock nut. Remove cotter pin, and
disconnect tie rod from steering knuckle. Remove and wire aside brake caliper. Separate lower control
arm from ball joint. Remove bolts retaining steering knuckle to strut assembly.
2. On Protege and 323, separate hub and knuckle from drive shaft. Remove wheel hub and rotor from
knuckle. Place alignment marks on rotor and wheel hub. Separate and remove dust cover. Remove
bearings, oil seals, bearing outer races and spacer.
3. On 929, remove hub and rotor. Remove grease seal, sensor ring and circlip. Press bearing from hub
assembly. DO NOT reuse old bearing once pressed from hub.
Removal (RX7)
Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove and wire aside brake caliper. Remove grease cap,
cotter pin, nut lock and spindle nut. Remove washer and outer wheel bearing. Remove hub and rotor assembly.
Remove wheel speed sensor ring. Remove inner oil seal and wheel bearing.
Inspection (All Models)
Wash all disassembled parts before inspection. Check for damage, excessive wear and signs of bearing seizure.
Inspect steering knuckle and hub for cracks, scoring and rust. Check for damaged dust cover and poor fit with
steering knuckle.
Installation (All Models)
To install, reverse removal procedure. Adjust wheel bearing preload. See WHEEL BEARING under
ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION
. NOTE: If bearings need to be replaced on RX7, also replace hub.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
SUSPENSION - FRONT 1990-91 SUSPENSION Front
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LOWER CONTROL ARM
Removal
Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove engine splash shield (if equipped). Remove
stabilizer bar from lower control arm. Remove strut rod (if equipped). Remove ball joint clamp bolt or pivot
nut, and separate ball joint from steering knuckle. Remove lower control arm pivot bolts. Remove lower control
arm.
Inspection
Check lower control arm for damage or cracks. Check bushings for deterioration and excessive wear. Check
ball joint for excessive wear. Examine dust boot for damage. Replace parts as necessary.
Bushing Replacement (Miata)
Cut or press old bushing from control arm. Coat new bushing with paraffin-based oil. Press new bushing into
control arm. To install, reverse removal procedure.
Bushing Replacement (MPV 4WD)
Cut away bushing inner collar. Using a vise and Remover/Installer (49-G033-102 and 49-FO27-009), push out
front bushing. Press out rear bushing using a press and Remover/Installer (49-U034-202 and 49-GO26-103). To
install front bushing, apply soapy water to bushing and use remover/installer to press in. To install rear bushing,
align arrows on bushing with marks on lower arm and use remover/installer to press in.
Bushing Replacement (MX-6 & 626)
Cut away bushing inner collar. Using a vise and Remover/Installer (49-GO34-2A0), push out bushing. To
install, apply soapy water to bushing and use remover/installer to press in. Always install bushing from outer
side of arm. Press in bushing until collar contacts arm.
Bushing Replacement (Protege & 323)
Using a vise and Remover/Installer Set (49-BO34-2A0), push out bushing. To install, apply soapy water to
bushing and use remover/installer to press in. Always install bushing from outer side of arm. Press in bushing
until collar contacts arm.
Bushing Replacement (929)
Cut away bushing outer collar. Using a vise and Remover/Installer (49-HO34-202 and 49-HO34-201), remove
bushing from control arm. To install, reverse removal procedure.
Bushing Replacement (RX7)
NOTE: Lower control arm bushings are not replaceable on MPV 2WD models. Replace
control arm assembly if bushings are worn or damaged.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
SUSPENSION - FRONT 1990-91 SUSPENSION Front
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Push out front bushing using a press and Remover (49-G030-627A). To remove rear bushing, install Bearing
Puller (49-0710-520) on bushing. DO NOT overtighten bearing puller nuts or lower arm will be distorted and
damaged. Press to push out rear bushing using Remover (49-G030-627A). To install both bushings, use
remover and Support Block (49-0823-146).
Installation (All Models)
To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten lower control arm pivot bolts to specification with vehicle
resting on ground and suspension unloaded. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
.
UPPER CONTROL ARM
Removal (Miata)
Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove engine splash shield. Remove ball joint pivot nut.
Use Puller (49-0118-850C) to separate ball joint from steering knuckle. Remove upper control arm pivot bolts.
Remove upper control arm.
Inspection
Check upper control arm for damage or cracks. Check bushings for deterioration and excessive wear. Check
ball joint for excessive wear. Examine dust boot for damage. Replace parts as necessary.
Bushing Replacement
Using a chisel, remove old bushing from control arm. Coat new bushing with grease. Press new bushing into
control arm.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten upper control arm pivot bolts to specification with vehicle
resting on ground and suspension unloaded.
SHOCK ABSORBER
Removal (Miata)
Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove engine splash shield. Remove stabilizer link bolt.
Separate upper ball joint from steering knuckle. Loosen lower control arm pivot bolts. Remove shock absorber
upper mount nuts and lower bolt. Move lower control arm just enough to remove shock absorber. Be careful not
to damage brake line.
Disassembly
Clamp upper mount in vise. Loosen lock nut 2 turns only. Compress coil spring using coil spring compressor.
Remove lock nut and remainin
g components. Slowly release compressor tension.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
SUSPENSION - FRONT 1990-91 SUSPENSION Front
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Inspection
Check for damage, oil leakage and abnormal noise. Check rubber parts for deterioration or damage. Inspect coil
spring for signs of fatigue or damage. Replace parts as needed.
Reassembly
Clamp shock absorber in vise. Install coil spring and components in reverse order of disassembly. Ensure coil
spring is well seated in upper and lower spring seats.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Final tighten all bolts with vehicle resting on ground and suspension
unloaded. See appropriate See SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in the WHEEL ALIGNMENT
section for checks and adjustments.
STRUT ASSEMBLY
Removal
1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Disconnect brake line from strut assembly. Remove
bolts attaching steering knuckle arm to strut assembly.
2. Disconnect harness connector from actuator (if equipped). Remove bolts, actuator and actuator mounting
bracket from upper mounting block. Remove nuts attaching upper strut assembly to body panel. Remove
strut assembly.
Disassembly
Clamp strut in vise. Compress coil spring using coil spring compressor. Remove piston lock nut. Slowly release
compressor tension. Remove components. Remove coil spring. Remove strut from vise.
Inspection
Check strut tube for cracks, damage, oil leakage and abnormal noise. Check rubber parts for deterioration or
damage. Inspect coil spring for signs of fatigue or damage. Check actuator control rod of strut assembly for
smooth rotation (if equipped). Replace parts as needed.
Reassembly
Clamp strut in vise. Install coil spring and components in reverse order of disassembly. Ensure that coil spring
is well seated in upper and lower spring seats. On MX-6 and 626, ensure upper spring seat positioning hole
faces inside of vehicle. NOTE: Prior to removing strut-to-steering knuckle bolts, make an alignment mark for
reassembly reference. Note position of mounting mark on top of strut assembly
before removing strut.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
SUSPENSION - FRONT 1990-91 SUSPENSION Front
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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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A/C-HEATER SYSTEM - MANUAL
1990-92 Manual A/C-Heater Systems
A/C SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS
A/C SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION
Blower case, mounted under right end of instrument panel, contains blower motor and fresh/recirculated air
door. Evaporator case, to left of blower case, contains evaporator, evaporator thermoswitch and expansion
valve. Heater case, to left of evaporator case, contains airflow mode door and air-mix (temperature blend) door.
ELECTRICAL COMPONENT LOCATIONS
OPERATION
All air control doors are controlled manually by cable from control panel. Top lever controls the air-mix door,
center lever controls the fresh/recirculated air door and bottom lever controls the airflow mode door.
ApplicationSpecification
Compressor TypeNippondenso Rotary Vane
Compressor Belt Deflection (1) (2)
New5/16-23/64" (8-9 mm)
Used23/64-25/64" (9-10 mm)
Compressor Oil Capacity2.7-3.3 oz.
Refrigerant (R-12) Capacity28 oz.
System Operating Pressures
High Side171-235 psi (12.0-16.5
kg/cm
2 )
Low Side21-43 psi (1.5-3.0 kg/cm2 )
(1)With 22 lbs. (10 kg) pressure applied to center of belt.
(2)On vehicles with P/S, measure midway between crankshaft pulley and P/S pump pulley. On vehicles
without P/S, measure midway between crankshaft pulley and A/C idler pulley.
ComponentLocation
A/C RelayIn Right Front Corner Of Engine Compartment
Blower Motor RelayIn Left Rear Corner Of Engine Compartment
Blower ResistorOn Bottom Of Blower Case
Evaporator Thermoswitch. On Left Side Of Evaporator Case
Pressure SwitchIn High-Pressure Line, Between Receiver-Drier
And Evaporator

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
A/C-HEATER SYSTEM - MANUAL 1990-92 Manual A/C-Heater Systems

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
A/C-HEATER SYSTEM - MANUAL 1990-92 Manual A/C-Heater Systems
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LUBRICATION
CAPACITY
POWER STEERING FLUID CAPACITY
FLUID TYPE
Dexron-II or M-III are recommended for all vehicles.
FLUID LEVEL CHECK
Check fluid level with engine off. Remove fluid level gauge on oil pump or reservoir. Check fluid level. Fluid
should be between "L" and "H" marks on level gauge dipstick. If fluid level is low, fill through gauge tube.
Recheck fluid level. DO NOT overfill.
HYDRAULIC FLUID BLEEDING
1. Raise and support front of vehicle. With ignition off, turn steering wheel lock-to-lock several times. Add
fluid as necessary. Repeat procedure until fluid level no longer decreases.
2. Start engine and let idle. Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock 5 times. Check fluid level. Add fluid as
necessary. Continue procedure until fluid is clear of air bubbles and does not decrease in level.
ADJUSTMENTS
POWER STEERING BELT ADJUSTMENT
POWER STEERING BELT DEFLECTION
(1)
(1)Specifications are measured at 1000-1500 RPM, with fluid temperature at 122-140°F (50-60°C).
ApplicationQts. (L)
Miata, MPV & 929.95 (.90)
MX-6 & 626
Electronc Controlled Power Steering (ECPS)1.06 (1.0)
Engine Speed (Sensing) Power Steering (ESPS).95 (.90)
Protege & 323.63 (.60)
RX7.85 (.80)
NOTE: On-vehicle adjustment procedures are not available from manufacturer.
ApplicationIn. (mm)
Miata, Protege & 323
New Belt.31-.35 (7.8-8.9)

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING GEAR - POWER RACK & PINION 1991 STEERING Mazda - Power Rack & Pinion
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