1991 MAZDA MIATA boot

1990-93 DRIVE AXLES
Axle Shafts - MX-5 Miata
DESCRIPTION
The axle shaft is a double offset, constant velocity joint type.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
Check dust boot on axle shaft for cracks, damage, leaking grease, and loose boot bands. Check axle shaft for
bending, cracks, and wear of joints or splines. Repair or replace axle shaft if necessary.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
AXLE SHAFTS
Removal
1. Raise vehicle and support with safety stands. Remove wheel and tire assembly. See Fig. 1 . Loosen axle
shaft lock nut until flush with end of axle shaft. Mark differential and axle shaft flanges for installation
reference. See Fig. 2
. Remove axle shaft flange nuts. NOTE: See TROUBLE SHOOTING
- BASIC PROCEDURES article in GENERAL
INFORMATION.
NOTE: Manufacturer recommends using new axle shaft lock nut during
installation.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1990-93 DRIVE AXLES Axle Shafts - MX-5 Miata

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1990-93 DRIVE AXLES Axle Shafts - MX-5 Miata
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:16:32 PMPage 1 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:16:36 PMPage 1 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Fig. 4: Installing Axle Shaft Lock Nut
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
OVERHAUL
AXLE SHAFTS
Disassembly
1. Place axle shaft assembly in soft-jawed vise. Keep axle shaft assembly clean during disassembly and
reassembly. To remove boot bands, pry up locking clip by using a screwdriver, then raise end of band.
See Fig. 5
.
NOTE: Before disassembling axle shaft, verify that joint moves smoothly. If a problem
is found, repair parts or replace axle shaft.
NOTE: DO NOT wash joint unless it is being disassembled.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1990-93 DRIVE AXLES Axle Shafts - MX-5 Miata
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:16:33 PMPage 5 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Fig. 5: Removing Boot Band
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
2. Mark axle shaft and outer ring with paint as shown. See Fig. 6
. Using a screwdriver, remove clip. Mark
axle shaft end and inner ring with paint as show. See Fig. 7
. Remove snap ring by using snap ring pliers.
See Fig. 8
.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1990-93 DRIVE AXLES Axle Shafts - MX-5 Miata
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:16:33 PMPage 6 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Fig. 9: Removing Balls From Inner Ring
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
4. Turn cage approximately 30 degrees and pull it away from inner ring. See Fig. 10
. Wrap shaft splines
with tape and remove boot. See Fig. 11
.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1990-93 DRIVE AXLES Axle Shafts - MX-5 Miata
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:16:33 PMPage 10 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Fig. 11: Removing CV Joint Boot
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Reassembly
1. To reassemble, reverse disassembly procedure. Wrap tape around drive axle shaft ends before sliding CV
joint boots onto drive axle shaft. See Fig. 13
.
2. Align marks on cage and inner ring. Install balls to inner ring. Install cage, inner ring and ball assembly to
axle shaft in direction shown. See Fig. 14
. Larger diameter of cage should be facing snap ring groove.
CAUTION: When reassembling axle shaft, ensure to install cage with larger diameter
facing snap ring groove. If incorrectly installed, axle shaft may become
disengaged.
NOTE: Inner and outer CV joint boots differ in design and/or diameter. Ensure correct
boot is installed at proper end when reassembling axle shaft. See Fig. 12
. See
REAR AXLE SHAFT BOOT IDENTIFICATION
.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1990-93 DRIVE AXLES Axle Shafts - MX-5 Miata
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:16:33 PMPage 12 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Fig. 12: Measuring Axle Shaft & Identifying Boots
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Fig. 13: Installing CV Joint Boot

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1990-93 DRIVE AXLES Axle Shafts - MX-5 Miata
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:16:33 PMPage 13 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Fig. 14: Installing Balls In To Inner Ring
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
3. Install a NEW snap ring in axle shaft snap ring groove. Apply specified amount of grease to joints and
boots. See LUBRICATION SPECIFICATION
table. Aling marks and install NEW clip.
LUBRICATION SPECIFICATION
4. Ensure that boots are not dented or twisted. Set axle shaft to standard length. See AXLE SHAFT
LENGTH table. Release any trapped air from boots by carefully lifting up small end of each boot with a
cloth-wrapped screwdriver. See Fig. 15
. Ensure that axle shaft length is within standard. If drive shaft
length is not within standard, repeat this step.
ApplicationQuantity
Wheel Side CV Joint Boot1.9-2.7 oz. (55-75 g)
Differential Side CV Joint Boot2.7-3.4 oz. (75-95 g)

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1990-93 DRIVE AXLES Axle Shafts - MX-5 Miata
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:16:33 PMPage 14 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Fig. 16: Installing Boot Band
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
AXLE SHAFT LENGTH
REAR AXLE SHAFT BOOT IDENTIFICATION
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
ApplicationIn. (mm)
1990
On Vehicle25.96 (659.3)
Off Vehicle25.97-26.37 (695.7-669.7)
1991-93
On Vehicle25.87 (657)
Off Vehicle25.30-26.68 (642.6-677.7)
ApplicationIn. (mm)
Wheel Side Diameter3.58 (90.8)
Differential Side Diameter3.44 (87.4)

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1990-93 DRIVE AXLES Axle Shafts - MX-5 Miata
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:16:33 PMPage 16 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.