1991 MAZDA MIATA 4WD

.0043" (.09-.11 mm). Minimum backlash at any point is .002" (.05 mm). Difference between minimum
and maximum backlash at 4 measuring points should not exceed .0028" (.07 mm).
4. To set differential bearing preload, tighten adjustment screws equally until distance between measuring
points on carrier bearing caps is within specification. See Fig. 12
and DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER
DIMENSIONS .
5. Ensure backlash did not change when preload was set. Tighten side bearing cap bolts. Check ring gear
tooth patterns. See GEAR TOOTH CONTACT PATTERNS
article in the GENERAL
INFORMATION section.
DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER DIMENSIONS
(1)
DIFFERENTIAL LUBRICATION SPECIFICATIONS
(1)
ApplicationIn. (mm)
B2200 & B2600i
"M" Differential7.300-7.303 (185.43-185.50)
"P" Differential8.048-8.051 (204.43-204.50)
Miata5.885-5.913 (149.48-150.19)
MPV 4WD
Front7.275-7.303 (184.78-185.50)
Rear8.022-8.051 (203.78-204.50)
Protege 4WD
Rear Differential5.910-5.913 (150.13-150.20)
RX7
Non-Turbo7.300-7.306 (185.43-185.59)
Turbo8.048-8.051 (204.43-204.50)
9298.023-8.051 (203.78-204.50)
(1)See Fig. 12 for measuring point.
ApplicationSpecification
Above 0° F (-18° C)GL-5/SAE 90w
Below 0° F (-18° C)GL-5/SAE 80w
(1)Fill to lower edge of filler plug hole.

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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Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:17:01 PMPage 20 © 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.

1991 TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (PROTEGE 4WD)
1990-91 TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (RX7)
Differential Carrier Bearing Cap Bolts27-38 (37-52)
Differential Carrier Bearing Lock Tab14-19 (19-26)
Differential Carrier-to-Housing17-20 (23-27)
Differential Case
Front Mounts33-50 (45-68)
Rear Mounts80-97 (109-132)
Drive Pinion Lock Nut87-130 (118-176)
Filler Plug29-40 (39-54)
Ring Gear Retaining Bolts51-61 (69-83)
Suspension & Mounts
Drive Axle Inner CV Joint Nut40-47 (54-64)
Drive Shaft Companion Flange20-22 (27-30)
Front Mount33-50 (45-68)
Lateral Link46-55 (62-75)
Rear Mount80-97 (109-132)
Stabilizer Bar10-13 (14-18)
Trailing Link69-86 (94-117)
Wheel Lug Nuts65-87 (88-118)
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Differential Carrier Bearing Cap Bolts27-38 (37-52)
Differential Carrier Bearing Lock Plate Bolt13-19 (18-26)
Differential Carrier-To-Housing Nuts17-20 (23-27)
Differential Case
Front Mounts39-47 (53-63)
Rear Mounts68-86 (93-116)
Drive Axle Inner CV Joint Nut40-47 (54-64)
Drive Pinion Lock Nut87-130 (118-176)
Drive Shaft Companion Flange Nuts20-22 (27-30)
Filler Plug29-40 (39-54)
Lateral Link Bolts46-55 (62-75)
Ring Gear Retaining Bolts51-61 (69-83)
Stabilizer Bar Bolts31-43 (43-58)
Trailing Link Bolts68-93 (93-126)
Wheel Lug Nuts65-87 (88-118)
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Differential Carrier-to-Housing17-20 (23-27)
Differential Carrier

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 25 © 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
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Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:08:53 PMPage 1 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
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Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:09:01 PMPage 1 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Fig. 5: Identifying Front Suspension Components (MX-6 & 626)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
WHEEL BEARING
Removal (Miata & MPV 2WD)
Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove and wire aside brake caliper. Remove grease cap
and lock nut. Remove brake rotor. Remove hub and bearing assembly.
Removal (MPV 4WD)
NOTE: Refer to Fig. 1 - Fig. 5 during removal and installation.
NOTE: On Miata & MPV 2WD, replace hub and bearing assembly as a unit.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
SUSPENSION - FRONT 1990-91 SUSPENSION Front
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Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:08:54 PMPage 6 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

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
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:08:54 PMPage 8 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.