Removal (Front - B2600i & MPV 4WD)
1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove engine skid plate. Drain differential. On MPV 4WD, remove tie rod
end and lower arm. Remove front axle shafts. See AXLE SHAFTS
- FRONT article. Mark drive shaft
position, and remove drive shaft.
2. On B2600i, remove differential subframe mounting bolts and nuts. Remove differential, Remote Free
Wheel (RFW) and subframe assembly from vehicle. Remove RFW assembly from right side of
differential housing. Pull drive coupler from carrier. Remove differential carrier retaining bolts. Remove
differential carrier.
3. On MPV 4WD, remove differential housing mounting bolts and mount at end of Remote Free Wheel
(RFW) extension housing. Remove differential and extension housing from vehicle. Remove RFW
assembly from right side of differential housing. Pull drive coupler from carrier. Remove differential
carrier retaining bolts. Remove differential carrier.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. See Fig. 2 or Fig. 3 . Apply Sealant (8527 77 739 ) to carrier mating
flange. Align marks made during removal. Refill differential with lubricant. Tighten all fasteners to
specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
.
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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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
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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-To-Frame54-69 (73-93)
Lug Nuts65-87 (88-118)
Stabilizer Bar Bolts (Frame)13-19 (18-26)
Stabilizer Bar Link Bolts27-40 (36-54)
Shock Absorber Assembly-To-Body Nuts21-27 (29-36)
Shock Absorber Lower Bolt54-69 (73-93)
Shock Absorber Lock Nut23-34 (31-46)
Tie Rod-To-Knuckle Nut21-32 (29-44)
Upper Ball Joint-To-Knuckle Nut30-46 (41-62)
Upper Control Arm-To-Frame87-102 (118-138)
MPV
Ball Joint-To-Lower Control Arm Bolt (4WD)75-101 (102-137)
Ball Joint-To-Lower Control Arm Nut (4WD)94-127 (128-172)
Brake Caliper Bracket Bolts65-80 (88-108)
Drive Axle Lock Nut131-173 (177-235)
Lower Control Arm-To-Frame (2WD)94-108 (127-146)
Lower Control Arm-To-Frame (4WD)101-127 (137-172)
Lug Nuts65-87 (88-118)
Stabilizer Bar Bolts (Frame) (2WD)37-45 (50-61)
Stabilizer Bar Bolts (Frame) (4WD)14-19 (19-26)
Strut Assembly Lock Nut47-59 (64-80)
Strut Assembly-To-Body Nuts21-27 (29-36)
Strut Assembly-To-Knuckle Bolt69-86 (93-117)
Strut Rod Body Bushing Bolt61-76 (83-103)
Strut Rod-To-Body Nut108-127 (146-172)
Strut Rod-To-Lower Control Arm76-92 (103-125)
Tie Rod-To-Knuckle Nut44-58 (59-78)
MX-6 & 626
Ball Joint-To-Steering Knuckle Nut27-40 (36-54)
Brake Caliper Bracket Bolts58-72 (78-98)
Drive Axle Lock Nut173-235 (235-319)
Lower Control Arm-To-Frame58-78 (78-106)
Lug Nuts65-87 (88-118)
Stabilizer Bar Bolts (Frame)27-40 (36-54)
Strut Assembly Lock Nut47-59 (64-80)
Strut Assembly-To-Body Nuts34-46 (46-63)
Strut Assembly-To-Knuckle Bolt69-86 (93-117)
Tie Rod-To-Knuckle Nut31-42 (42-57)
Wheel Speed Sensor Bolt12-17 (16-23)
Protege & 323
Ball Joint-To-Lower Control Arm Nut69-86 (93-117)
1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
SUSPENSION - FRONT 1990-91 SUSPENSION Front
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32-44 (43-59)
Brake Caliper Bracket Bolts29-36 (39-49)
Drive Axle Lock Nut173-235 (235-319)
Lower Control Arm-To-Frame
Front69-86 (93-117)
Rear69-94 (93-127)
"U" Bracket Bolts69-86 (93-117)
Lug Nuts65-87 (88-118)
Stabilizer Bar Bolts (Frame)32-44 (43-59)
Strut Assembly Lock Nut58-81 (79-110)
Strut Assembly-To-Body Nuts21-30 (29-40)
Strut Assembly-To-Knuckle Bolt69-93 (93-127)
Tie Rod-To-Knuckle Nut31-42 (42-57)
RX7
Ball Joint-To-Steering Knuckle Nut27-40 (36-54)
Brake Caliper Bracket Bolts58-72 (78-98)
Lower Control Arm-To-Frame
Front46-69 (63-93)
Rear51-61 (69-83)
Lug Nuts65-87 (88-118)
Stabilizer Bar Bolts (Frame)13-19 (18-26)
Stabilizer Bar Link Bolts27-40 (36-54)
Strut Assembly Lock Nut47-59 (64-80)
Strut Assembly-To-Body Nuts21-27 (29-36)
Strut Assembly-To-Knuckle Bolt69-86 (93-117)
Tie Rod-To-Knuckle Nut21-32 (29-44)
929
Ball Joint-To-Steering Knuckle Nut69-91 (94-123)
Brake Caliper Bracket Bolts58-86 (78-117)
Drive Axle Lock Nut72-130 (98-177)
Front Wheel Bearing Nut72-130 (98-177)
Knuckle Arm-To-Knuckle75-101 (102-137)
Lower Control Arm-To-Frame55-69 (74-93)
Lug Nuts65-87 (88-118)
Stabilizer Bar Bolts (Frame)37-45 (50-61)
Strut Assembly Lock Nut47-59 (64-80)
Strut Assembly-To-Body Nuts25-32 (34-44)
Strut Assembly-To-Knuckle Bolt69-86 (93-117)
Strut Rod Body Bushing Bolt69-86 (93-117)
Strut Rod-To-Body Nut64-86 (93-117)
Strut Rod-To-Lower Control Arm76-92 (103-125)
1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
SUSPENSION - FRONT 1990-91 SUSPENSION Front
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REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
STEERING GEAR
Removal & Installation (Miata & MPV)
1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Raise and support front of vehicle. Remove front wheels. Remove
cotter pins and castle nuts from tie rod ends.
2. Using puller, remove tie rods from steering knuckles. Remove steering column intermediate shaft-to-
steering gear pinion shaft bolt. Mark reference lines on pressure pipe fittings.
3. Remove pressure and return hose connections from steering gear. Remove 2 steering bracket-to-frame
mounting through bolts. Remove steering gear and linkage with steering bracket attached from under the
vehicle.
4. To install, reverse removal procedure. Fill and bleed system. Tighten bolts to specification. See
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
table. Tighten steering gear-to-mounting bracket bolts (4) in the
following order: left front, right front, left rear, right rear.
Removal & Installation (MX-6 & 626)
1. Disconnect negative battery cable and power steering pressure switch connectors. Raise and support front
of vehicle. Remove front wheels.
2. Remove cotter pins and castle nuts from tie rod ends. Using puller, remove tie rods from steering
knuckles. Remove steerin
g column intermediate shaft-to-steering gear pinion shaft bolt.
Used Belt.35-.39 (8.9-10.0)
MPV
V6
New Belt.28-.30 (7.1-7.6)
Used Belt.30-.32 (7.6-8.1)
4-Cylinder
New Belt.26-.28 (6.6-7.1)
Used Belt.28-.31 (7.1-7.8)
MX-6 & 626
New Belt.31-.36 (7.8-9.1)
Used Belt.35-.43 (8.9-10.9)
RX7
New Belt.43-.51 (10.9-12.9)
Used Belt.55-.63 (14.0-16.0)
929
New Belt.28-.35 (7.1-8.9)
Used Belt.35-.43 (8.9-10.9)
(1)Belt deflection is measured at midpoint between idler pulley and pump, with 22 lbs. (10 kg.) of
pressure applied.
1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING GEAR - POWER RACK & PINION 1991 STEERING Mazda - Power Rack & Pinion
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3. Remove pressure and return hose connections from steering gear. Remove mud flap on driver's side.
Remove steering gear mounting bolts. Remove steering gear through wheelwell on driver's side.
4. To install, reverse removal procedure. Fill and bleed system. Tighten bolts to specification. See
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
table.
Removal & Installation (Protege & 323)
1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Raise and support front of vehicle. Remove front wheels. Remove
engine undercover. Remove cotter pins and castle nuts from tie rod ends.
2. Using puller, remove tie rods from steering knuckles. Remove steering column intermediate shaft-to-
steering gear pinion shaft bolt. Remove pressure and return hose connections from steering gear box.
3. Remove all accessible steering gear mounting bracket upper nuts and lower bolts. On Protege, support
drive train from above. Loosen stabilizer bar left mounting bracket and remove engine mount
crossmember.
4. Remove transmission control cable clip. Remove transfer case mount nuts. Lower engine gradually until
rear engine mount bolts can be removed. Remove lower left steering gear mounting bolt from between
transaxle and transfer case.
5. On all models, remove steering gear. To install, reverse removal procedure. Fill and bleed system.
Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
table.
Removal & Installation (RX7)
1. Remove battery. Drain cooling system. Remove fan shroud and radiator. Raise and support front of
vehicle. Remove front wheels and engine undercover.
2. Remove control links and stabilizer bar. Remove cotter pins and castle nuts from tie rod ends. Remove tie
rods from steering knuckles with puller.
3. Remove steering column intermediate shaft-to-steering gear pinion shaft bolt. Remove pressure and
return hose connections from steering gear box.
4. Remove steering gear mounting bolts. Lower steering gear brackets, steering gear and linkage from
vehicle as an assembly.
5. To install, reverse removal procedure. Fill and bleed system. Tighten bolts to specification. See
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
table.
Removal & Installation (929)
1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Raise and support front of vehicle. Remove front wheels. Remove
engine undercover. Disconnect pressure and return hose connections in front of steering gear.
2. Drain fluid. Disconnect return hose fitting to control valve. Remove starter for access to control valve.
Disconnect control valve and pressure switch connectors. Remove control valve. Remove cotter pins and
castle nuts from tie rod ends.
3. Using puller, remove tie rods from steering knuckles. Remove steering column intermediate shaft-to-
steering gear pinion shaft bolt. Remove steering gear mounting bolts. Remove steering gear from bottom
of vehicle.
4. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING GEAR - POWER RACK & PINION 1991 STEERING Mazda - Power Rack & Pinion
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Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:10:15 PMPage 5 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
Stabilizer Link Bolt/Nut12-17 (16-23)
Steering Angle Transfer Shaft-To-Steering Gear Bolt13-19 (18-26)
Steering Bracket-To-Frame Mounting Bolt46-69 (63-93)
Steering Gear Mounting Bolt
Miata34-43 (46-58)
MPV55-69 (74-93)
MX-6 & 62627-40 (36-54)
Protege, RX7, 323 & 92923-34 (31-46)
Steering Rack-To-Tie Rod
Miata58-72 (78-98)
MPV, MX-6, RX7 & 62687 (118)
Protege, 323 & 92943-58 (60-78)
Tie Rod Castle Nuts
All Models Except MPV21-32 (29-44)
MPV44-58 (59-78)
Valve Housing Bolt (929)14-22 (20-29)
1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING GEAR - POWER RACK & PINION 1991 STEERING Mazda - Power Rack & Pinion
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