1997 MAZDA MX-5 Factory Repair Manual

Fig. 2: Prying Out Axle Shaft
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Install NEW clip. Measure outer diameter of clip after installing. See Fig.
3 . Replace clip if it exceeds specification. With the ends of clip facing upward, push axle shaft into deferential.
After installation, pull outward on double offset joint outer ring and verify that axle shaft is securely held by
clip. Install NEW locknut and stake it as shown. See Fig. 4
. Tighten all bolts and nuts to specification. See
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
.
CAUTION: Sharp edges of axle shaft snap ring can slice or puncture oil seal. Be
careful when installing axle shaft to differential.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-2001 DRIVE AXLES Axle Shafts - MX-5 Miata
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:51:37 PMPage 3 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Fig. 3: Measuring Clip Outer Diameter
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. NOTE: For rear axle shaft length, see REAR AXLE SHAFT LENGTH
table.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-2001 DRIVE AXLES Axle Shafts - MX-5 Miata
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:51:37 PMPage 4 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Fig. 4: Installing Axle Shaft Locknut
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
.
2. Mark axle shaft and outer ring with paint as shown. See Fig. 6
. Remove clip. Remove outer ring. Mark
axle shaft end and inner ring with paint as show. See Fig. 7
. Remove snap ring by using snap ring pliers.
3. Insert a screwdriver between inner ring and cage to remove balls. See Fig. 8
. Mark inner ring and cage
with paint. Turn cage approximately 30 degrees and pull it away from inner ring. See Fig. 9
. Wrap shaft
splines with tape and remove boot. See Fig. 10
.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-2001 DRIVE AXLES Axle Shafts - MX-5 Miata
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:51:37 PMPage 5 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Fig. 5: Removing Boot Band
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-2001 DRIVE AXLES Axle Shafts - MX-5 Miata
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:51:37 PMPage 6 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Fig. 6: Marking Axle Shaft & Outer Ring
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-2001 DRIVE AXLES Axle Shafts - MX-5 Miata
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:51:37 PMPage 7 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Fig. 7: Removing Snap Ring
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-2001 DRIVE AXLES Axle Shafts - MX-5 Miata
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:51:37 PMPage 8 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Fig. 8: Removing Balls From Inner Ring
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-2001 DRIVE AXLES Axle Shafts - MX-5 Miata
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:51:37 PMPage 9 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Fig. 9: Separating Inner Ring From Cage
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-2001 DRIVE AXLES Axle Shafts - MX-5 Miata
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:51:37 PMPage 10 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.