1997 MAZDA MX-5 lock

Fig. 7: Adjusting A/C Compressor Belt (MPV)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Power Steering Pump
Loosen locknut and adjust belt deflection by turning adjusting bolt. See Fig. 8 and Fig. 22 . See
ADJUSTMENT SPECIFICATIONS
. Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1994-98 ENGINE COOLING Specifications & Drive Belt Routing - B2300, B2500, B3000, B4000, Millenia, MPV, MX-5
Miata & Protege

Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:57:32 PMPage 8 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Fig. 9: Adjusting Alternator Belt (MX-5 Miata)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
A/C Compressor
Loosen locknut and adjust belt deflection by turning adjusting bolt. See Fig. 10 and Fig. 26 . See
ADJUSTMENT SPECIFICATIONS
. Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1994-98 ENGINE COOLING Specifications & Drive Belt Routing - B2300, B2500, B3000, B4000, Millenia, MPV, MX-5
Miata & Protege

Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:57:32 PMPage 10 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

COOLING SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS (1995-98 PROTEGE)
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (MILLENIA, 2.5L)
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (MPV)
Starts176-183°F (80-84°C)
Fully Open203°F (95°C)
Thermostat Open Lift (1998).33" (8.5 mm)
(1)Every 30,000 miles, and every 24 months thereafter.
ModelSpecification
Protege
Coolant Replacement
1995
Interval24,000 Miles Or 30 Months
1996-98
Interval(1) 45,000 Miles Or 36
Months
Coolant Capacity6.3 Qts. (6.0L)
Pressure Cap10.7-14.9 psi
Thermostat Open Temperature (1995)
Starts
Main Valve188-193°F (86.5-89.5°C)
Sub Valve183-188°F (83.5-86.5°C)
Fully Open212°F (100°C)
Thermostat Open Lift (1995)
Main Valve.31" (8 mm)
Sub Valve.06" (1.5 mm)
Thermostat Open Temperature (1996-98)
Starts183-193°F (83.5-89.5°C)
Fully Open212°F (100°C)
Thermostat Open Lift (1996-98).33" (8.5 mm)
(1)Every 30,000 miles, and every 24 months thereafter.
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Alternator Locknut24-33 (32-46)
Power Steering Pump Locknut24-33 (32-46)
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Alternator Adjusting Bolt

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1994-98 ENGINE COOLING Specifications & Drive Belt Routing - B2300, B2500, B3000, B4000, Millenia, MPV, MX-5
Miata & Protege

Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:57:33 PMPage 38 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (MX-3 MIATA)
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (PROTEGE)
"A"14-18 (19-25)
"B"28-38 (38-51)
A/C Compressor Locknut28-38 (38-51)
Power Steering Pump Locknut28-38 (38-51)
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Alternator Adjusting Bolt
"A"14-18 (19-25)
"B"28-38 (38-51)
A/C Compressor Locknut28-38 (38-51)
Power Steering Pump Bolt
"A"24-33 (32-46)
"B"27-39 (37-53)
"C"14-18 (19-25)
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Alternator Adjusting Bolt
"A"28-38 (38-51)
"B"14-18 (19-25)
Power Steering Pump Bolt
"A"32-44 (44-60)
"B"28-38 (38-51)
"C"28-38 (38-51)

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1994-98 ENGINE COOLING Specifications & Drive Belt Routing - B2300, B2500, B3000, B4000, Millenia, MPV, MX-5
Miata & Protege

Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:57:33 PMPage 39 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

1997-2000 SUSPENSION
Front - Miata
DESCRIPTION
Front suspension is an independent, double wishbone design using upper and lower control arms. A spring over
shock is mounted between lower control arm and upper fender panel. Upper and lower control arms pivot at
crossmember and are connected by ball joints to steering knuckle. A stabilizer bar attaches to each lower control
arm and frame. See Fig. 1
. Upper coil over shock mount plate has been redesigned for 1999-2000. New design
incorporates a urethane bumper and improves ride and cornering.
Fig. 1: Identifying Front Suspension Components

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
ADJUSTMENTS
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES
WHEEL BEARING ADJUSTMENT
Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove brake caliper and ABS wheel speed sensor.
Remove rotor. Attach dial indicator to axle hub, and measure bearing play. Check bearing axial play by rocking
hub assembly by hand. Maximum axial play should be .002" (.05 mm). If play exceeds specification, check and
adjust lock nut torque or replace hub and bearing assembly. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
. NOTE: Mazda did not produce 1998 Miata models.
NOTE: See SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-2000 SUSPENSION Front - Miata

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-2000 SUSPENSION Front - Miata
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:38:08 PMPage 1 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:38:12 PMPage 1 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

INSPECTION
BALL JOINT CHECKING
Lower Ball Joint
Remove lower control arm. See LOWER CONTROL ARM & BALL JOINT under REMOVAL &
INSTALLATION. Rotate ball joint stud 4-5 times. Install Preload Attachment (49-0180-510B) to ball joint
stud. Measure ball joint preload using spring scale. See LOWER BALL JOINT PRELOAD
SPECIFICATIONS table. If preload is not as specified, replace lower ball joint.
LOWER BALL JOINT PRELOAD SPECIFICATIONS
Upper Ball Joint
Remove upper control arm. See UPPER CONTROL ARM & BALL JOINT under REMOVAL &
INSTALLATION. Rotate ball joint stud 4-5 times. Install Preload Attachment (49-0180-510B) to ball joint
stud. Measure ball joint preload using spring scale. See UPPER BALL JOINT PRELOAD
SPECIFICATIONS table. If preload is not as specified, replace upper control arm.
UPPER BALL JOINT PRELOAD SPECIFICATIONS
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
WHEEL BEARING
Removal
Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove brake caliper and ABS wheel speed sensor, and
wire aside. Remove grease cap and axle lock nut. Remove brake rotor. Remove hub and bearing assembly.
Remove wheel speed sensor rotor from hub.
Inspection
ApplicationLbs. (kg)
19971.1-3.3 (0.5-1.5)
1999 & 20000.78-4.29 (0.35-1.95)
ApplicationLbs. (kg)
19970.9-3.9 (0.4-1.8)
1999 & 20000.7-5.0 (0.3-2.3)
NOTE: Refer to illustration during removal and installation. See Fig. 1
.
NOTE: Wheel bearing is not serviceable. If bearing is defective, replace hub and
bearing assembly as a unit.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-2000 SUSPENSION Front - Miata
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:38:08 PMPage 2 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Bushing Replacement
Cut or press old bushing from control arm. Coat new bushing with paraffin-based oil. Press new bushing into
control arm.
Installation (All Models)
To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten upper control arm pivot bolts to specification with vehicle
resting on ground and suspension unloaded. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
.
SHOCK ASSEMBLY
Removal (1997)
Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove engine splash shield. Remove wheel speed sensor
harness band. Remove stabilizer link bolt. Remove upper control arm ball joint cotter pin and nut. Separate
upper control arm ball joint stud from knuckle using Puller (49-0118-850C). Loosen lower control arm pivot
bolts. Remove shock upper mount nuts and lower bolt. Move lower control arm just enough to remove shock
assembly. DO NOT damage brake line.
Removal (1999 & 2000)
Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove engine splash shield. Remove wheel speed sensor.
Remove stabilizer link bolt. Separate lower control arm ball joint stud from knuckle using Puller (49-T028-
3A0). Loosen lower control arm pivot bolts. Inside engine compartment, on 1999 models, remove strut bar. See
FRONT STRUT BAR (1999)
. On 2000 models, remove shock upper mount nuts. On all models, under car,
remove lower bolt. Move lower control arm just enough to remove shock assembly. DO NOT damage brake
line.
Disassembly
Clamp upper shock mount in vise. Loosen piston lock nut 2 turns only. Compress coil spring using coil spring
compressor. Remove piston lock nut. Slowly release compressor tension. Remove components. Remove coil
spring. Remove shock from vise.
Inspection
Check shock tube for damage, oil leakage and abnormal noise. Check rubber components for deterioration or
damage. Inspect coil spring for signs of fatigue or damage. Replace components as necessary.
Reassembly (1997)
Clamp shock in vise. Install coil spring and components in reverse order of disassembly. Ensure coil spring is
well seated in upper and lower spring seats. See Fig. 2
. Tighten piston rod nut. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS .

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-2000 SUSPENSION Front - Miata
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:38:08 PMPage 4 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Fully tighten all bolts with vehicle resting on ground and suspension
unloaded. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
. Check front wheel alignment. See SPECIFICATIONS &
PROCEDURES article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT.
STABILIZER BAR
Removal & Installation
Raise and support vehicle. Remove engine splash shield. Remove frame brackets and bushings. Remove
stabilizer control links. Align bushing with installation mark on stabilizer. Reverse removable procedure for
installation. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
.
FRONT STRUT BAR (1999)
Removal & Installation
1. To remove strut bar located in engine compartment mounted on top of shock towers, loosen lock nuts on
joint bolt and loosen joint bolt. Remove nut, washer and bolt retaining strut bar to strut plate. Remove
strut bar from vehicle.
2. To install, reverse removal procedure. Rotate joint bolt counterclockwise to 3.5-5.2 INCH lbs. (.4-.6 N.m)
to set tension. Tighten lock nuts to 87-121 INCH lbs. (10-14 N.m). Tighten strut bar-to-strut plate nut.
See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Axle Lock Nut123-159 (167-215)
Brake Caliper Bracket Bolts37-50 (50-68)
Lower Ball Joint-To-Knuckle Nut42-57 (57-77)
Lower Ball Joint-To-Lower Control
199754-69 (73-94)
1999 & 2000
Bolt & Nut69-86 (94-117)
Bolt54-69 (73-94)
Lower Control Arm-To-Frame
1997
Front Adjusting Bolt Lock Nut69-83 (94-112)
Rear Adjusting Bolt Lock Nut62-75 (84-102)
1999 & 200069-83 (94-112)
Shock Assembly-To-Lower Control Arm Bolt/Nut
199754-68 (73-93)

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-2000 SUSPENSION Front - Miata
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:38:08 PMPage 7 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.