1997 MAZDA MX-5 lock

MX-3 (4-Cylinder)
1. Install and temporarily tighten adjusting cover to 95 INCH lbs. (10.7 N.m). Move steering rack back and
forth about 3 times, then loosen adjusting cover. Tighten adjusting cover 40-47 INCH lbs (4.5-5.3 N.m)
then loosen adjusting cover 0-40 degrees. Apply thread sealant to adjusting cover lock nut. Install lock
nut. Holding adjusting cover in place, tighten lock nut 37-43 ft. lbs. (50-58 N.m).
2. Center steering rack. Install Preload Adapter (49-0180-510B ) on pinion shaft. See Fig. 3
. Measure
pinion preload using spring scale. With steering rack in center position, pinion preload should be 2.2-3.0
lbs. (1.0-1.4 kg). With steering rack in any other position, pinion preload should be a maximum of 3.7 lbs.
(1.7 kg). If preload is not as specified, repeat steps 1) and 2).
MX-3 (V6)
1. Center steering rack. Install and temporarily tighten adjusting cover to 100 INCH lbs. (11.3 N.m), then
loosen cover. Tighten adjusting cover 40-47 INCH lbs. (4.5-5.3 N.m), then loosen cover 45 degrees.
2. Install Preload Adapter (49-0180-510B ) on pinion shaft. See Fig. 3
. Measure pinion preload using
spring scale. With steering rack in center position (plus or minus 90 degrees), preload should be 2.2-2.6
lbs. (1.0-1.2 kg). With steering rack in any other position, preload should be a maximum of 3.7 lbs. (1.7
kg).
3. If preload is as specified, apply thread sealant to adjusting cover lock nut. Install lock nut. Holding
adjusting cover in place, tighten lock nut 37-43 ft. lbs. (50-58 N.m). If preload is not as specified, repeat
steps 1) and 2).
MX-6 & 626
1. Center steering rack. Install and temporarily tighten adjusting cover to 87 INCH lbs. (9.8 N.m), then
loosen adjusting cover. Tighten adjusting cover 39-48 INCH lbs (4.4-5.4 N.m) then loosen adjusting
cover 20 degrees. Apply thread sealant to adjusting cover lock nut. Install lock nut. Holding adjusting
cover in place, tighten lock nut 37-43 ft. lbs. (50-58 N.m).
2. Install Preload Adapter (49-0180-510B ) on pinion shaft. See Fig. 3
. Measure pinion preload using
spring scale. With steering rack in center position (plus or minus 90 degrees), pinion preload should be
2.8-3.3 lbs. (1.3-1.5 kg). If preload is not as specified, repeat steps 1) and 2).
RX7
1. Ensure steering rack is in center position. Using Protractor (49-D032-316 ) and a torque wrench, tighten
adjusting cover 87 INCH lbs. (9.8 N.m), then loosen adjusting cover 20-25 degrees. See Fig. 2
.
2. Install Preload Adapter (49-0180-510B ) on pinion shaft. See Fig. 3
. Measure pinion preload using
spring scale. Pinion preload should be 3.3 lbs. (1.5 kg) maximum.
3. If preload is not as specified, repeat steps 1) and 2). If preload is as specified, apply thread sealant to
adjusting cover lock nut. Install lock nut. Holding adjusting cover in place, tighten lock nut 37-50 ft. lbs.
(50-68 N.m).
929
1. Ensure steering rack is in center position. Using Protractor (49-D032-316 ) and a torque wrench, tighten

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING SYSTEM - POWER RACK & PINION 1997 STEERING Mazda Power Rack & Pinion
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adjusting cover 15-21 ft. lbs. (20-28 N.m), then loosen adjusting cover 25 degrees. See Fig. 2.
2. Install Preload Adapter (49-0180-510B ) on pinion shaft. See Fig. 3
. Measure pinion preload using
spring scale. Pinion preload should be 3.3 lbs. (1.5 kg) maximum.
3. If preload is not as specified, repeat steps 1) and 2). If preload is as specified, apply thread sealant to
adjusting cover lock nut. Install lock nut. Holding adjusting cover in place, tighten lock nut 37-50 ft. lbs.
(50-68 N.m).
PINION SHAFT & VALVE HOUSING ASSEMBLY
Miata
1. With steering rack assembly secured in a vise, pull steering rack out until distance between end of rack
and end of rack housing is 2.38" (60.5 mm). See Fig. 4
.
2. If reusing original gear housing, pinion shaft and valve housing, install same number of shims that were
removed during disassembly procedure. If installing a NEW gear housing, pinion shaft and/or valve
housing, install same number of shims that were removed during disassembly procedure, and go to next
step.
3. Install and tighten valve housing bolts 15-21 ft. lbs. (20-28 N.m). Using a feeler gauge, measure clearance
between gear housing and valve housing. See Fig. 5
. Add or remove necessary shims until clearance is
zero.
Fig. 4: Centering Steering Rack (Miata Shown; Others Are Similar)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING SYSTEM - POWER RACK & PINION 1997 STEERING Mazda Power Rack & Pinion
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shaft-to-steering column gear pinion for installation reference. Remove steering column intermediate
shaft-to-steering gear pinion shaft bolt. Remove steering gear mounting nuts. Remove steering gear and
linkage from vehicle.
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts and nuts to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS table. Tighten steering gear mounting nuts in sequence: left rear, left front, right
front, right rear. Fill and bleed power steering system. Check and adjust front wheel alignment. See
SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT.
POWER STEERING PUMP
Removal & Installation
1. Remove drive belt. On Millenia, MPV, MX-6, RX7, 626 and 929, remove pulley lock nut and remove
pulley from pump. On all models, disconnect power steering pressure switch electrical connector (if
equipped).
2. Place reference marks on steering pump and pressure line fitting for reassembly. Disconnect pressure and
return line connections from steering pump. Remove pump-to-
bracket bolts and nuts. Remove pump from
vehicle.
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts and nuts to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS table. Adjust belt tension. See POWER STEERING PUMP BELT under
ADJUSTMENTS. Bleed air from system. Inspect system for leaks.
OVERHAUL
STEERING GEAR
Disassembly & Reassembly
1. Remove steering gear assembly. See STEERING GEARunder REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. As an
aid to disassembly and reassembly, use illustrations. See Fig. 7
-16 . For reassembly reference, keep
components in order of disassembly. Replace worn or damaged components as necessary.
2. On 1996-97 Miata, after installing valve housing, check clearance between gear housing and valve
housing. See PINION SHAFT & VALVE HOUSING ASSEMBLY
under ADJUSTMENT. Adjust
clearance as necessary. On all models, after steering rack reassembly, but before installing tie rods, check
pinion preload. See PINION PRELOAD
under ADJUSTMENTS. NOTE: Use a suitable container or rags to collect fluid when disconnecting pressure
and return lines.

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STEERING SYSTEM - POWER RACK & PINION 1997 STEERING Mazda Power Rack & Pinion
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ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Miata
Adjusting Cover Lock Nut(1)
Intermediate Shaft-To-Pinion Shaft Bolt13-19 (18-26)
Pinion Shaft Lock Nut (1995)22-29 (30-39)
Power Steering Pump Mounting Bolts/Nuts27-40 (37-54)
Pressure Line Fitting-To-Power Steering Pump23-35 (31-47)
Pressure Line Fitting-To-Steering Gear23-35 (31-47)
Steering Gear Mounting Bolts/Nuts34-43 (46-58)
Steering Rack-To-Tie Rod58-72 (79-98)
Tie Rod Castle Nuts22-32 (30-44)
Tie Rod End-To-Tie Rod Lock Nut25-29 (34-39)
Valve Housing Bolts (1996-97)15-21 (20-29)
Wheel Lug Nuts66-86 (89-117)
Millenia
Adjusting Cover Lock Nut(1)
Intermediate Shaft-To-Pinion Shaft Bolt13-19 (18-26)
Engine Mount Member
Bolts50-69 (67-93)
Nut55-77 (75-104)
No. 1 Engine Mount Bolt32-44 (44-60)
Power Steering Pump Mounting Bolts/Nuts24-33 (33-45)
Power Steering Pump Pulley Lock Nut36-43 (49-58)
Pressure Line Fitting-To-Power Steering Pump23-35 (41-47)
Pressure Line Fitting-To-Steering Gear(2)
Steering Gear Mounting Bolts/Nuts32-44 (44-60)
Steering Rack-To-Tie Rod58-72 (79-98)
Tie Rod Castle Nuts41-59 (55-80)
Tie Rod End-To-Tie Rod Lock Nut58-72 (79-98)
Transverse Member Nuts (Millenia)40-56 (54-76)
Valve Housing Bolts13-18 (17-25)
Wheel Lug Nuts66-94 (89-127)
MPV
Adjusting Cover Lock Nut(1)
Intermediate Shaft-To-Pinion Shaft Bolt13-19 (18-26)
Pinion Shaft Lock Nut29-36 (39-49)
Power Steering Pump Mounting Bolts/Nuts23-34 (31-46)
Power Steering Pump Pulley Lock Nut29-43 (39-58)
Pressure Line Fitting-To-Power Steering Pump23-35 (31-47)
Pressure Line Fitting-To-Steering Gear23-35 (31-47)

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Steering Bracket-To-Frame Mounting Bolt46-69 (62-94)
Steering Gear Mounting Bolts/Nuts55-69 (75-94)
Steering Rack-To-Tie Rod87-101 (118-137)
Tie Rod Castle Nuts44-58 (60-79)
Tie Rod End-To-Tie Rod Lock Nut51-58 (69-79)
Wheel Lug Nuts65-87 (88-118)
MX-3
Adjusting Cover Lock Nut(1)
Intermediate Shaft-To-Pinion Shaft Bolt13-19 (18-26)
Pinion Shaft Lock Nut29-36 (39-49)
Power Steering Pump Mounting Bolts/Nuts
Bolt27-40 (37-54)
Nut14-19 (19-26)
Pressure Line Fitting-To-Power Steering Pump
4-Cylinder12-17 (16-23)
V618-26 (24-35)
Pressure Line Fitting-To-Steering Gear
4-Cylinder21-25 (28-34)
V626-32 (35-44)
Steering Gear Mounting Bolts/Nuts27-38 (37-52)
Steering Rack-To-Tie Rod
4-Cylinder43-58 (58-79)
V691-105 (123-142)
Tie Rod Castle Nuts31-42 (42-57)
Tie Rod End-To-Tie Rod Lock Nut25-37 (34-50)
Wheel Lug Nuts65-87 (88-118)
MX-6 & 626
Adjusting Cover Lock Nut(1)
Intermediate Shaft-To-Pinion Shaft Bolt13-19 (18-26)
Power Steering Pump Mounting Bolts/Nuts23-34 (31-46)
Power Steering Pump Pulley Lock Nut36-43 (49-58)
Pressure Line Fitting-To-Power Steering Pump22-32 (30-44)
Pressure Line Fitting-To-Steering Gear25-33 (34-45)
Steering Gear Mounting Bolts/Nuts28-38 (38-51)
Steering Rack-To-Tie Rod91-105 (123-142)
Tie Rod Castle Nuts23-33 (31-45)
Tie Rod End-To-Tie Rod Lock Nut51-72 (69-98)
Wheel Lug Nuts65-87 (88-118)
Protege
Adjusting Cover Lock Nut(1)

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING SYSTEM - POWER RACK & PINION 1997 STEERING Mazda Power Rack & Pinion
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Intermediate Shaft-To-Pinion Shaft Bolt13-19 (18-26)
Pinion Shaft Lock Nut29-36 (39-49)
Power Steering Pump Mounting Bolts/Nuts
Bolt33-44 (44-60)
Nut28-37 (38-51)
Pressure Line Fitting-To-Power Steering Pump18-26 (24-35)
Pressure Line Fitting-To-Steering Gear22-32 (30-44)
Steering Gear Mounting Bolts/Nuts27-38 (37-52)
Steering Rack-To-Tie Rod44-58 (59-78)
Tie Rod Castle Nuts31-42 (42-57)
Tie Rod End-To-Tie Rod Lock Nut25-37 (34-50)
Wheel Lug Nuts65-87 (88-118)
RX7
Adjusting Cover Lock Nut(1)
Intermediate Shaft-To-Pinion Shaft Bolt13-19 (18-26)
Pinion Shaft Lock Nut14-22 (19-30)
Power Steering Pump Mounting Bolts/Nuts12-17 (16-23)
Power Steering Pump Pulley Lock Nut29-43 (39-58)
Pressure Line Fitting-To-Power Steering Pump17-26 (23-36)
Pressure Line Fitting-To-Steering Gear12-17 (16-23)
Steering Gear Mounting Bolts/Nuts27-38 (37-52)
Steering Rack-To-Tie Rod58-72 (79-98)
Tie Rod Castle Nuts22-32 (30-44)
Tie Rod End-To-Tie Rod Lock Nut25-37 (34-50)
Wheel Lug Nuts65-87 (88-118)
929
Adjusting Cover Lock Nut(1)
Intermediate Shaft-To-Pinion Shaft Bolt13-19 (18-26)
Pinion Shaft Lock Nut14-22 (19-30)
Power Steering Pump Mounting Bolts/Nuts12-17 (16-23)
Power Steering Pump Pulley Lock Nut29-43 (39-58)
Pressure Line Fitting-To-Power Steering Pump33-40 (45-54)
Pressure Line Fitting-To-Steering Gear29-43 (39-58)
Steering Gear Mounting Bolts/Nuts27-38 (37-52)
Steering Rack-To-Tie Rod58-72 (79-98)
Tie Rod Castle Nuts37-47 (50-63)
Tie Rod End-To-Tie Rod Lock Nut51-72 (69-98)
Valve Housing Bolts13-18 (17-25)
Wheel Lug Nuts65-87 (88-118)
(1)For adjusting cover lock nut tightening procedure, see ADJUSTMENTS .

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING SYSTEM - POWER RACK & PINION 1997 STEERING Mazda Power Rack & Pinion
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1997, 1999-2000 SUSPENSION
Rear - Miata
DESCRIPTION
Rear suspension consists of spring over shock, crossmember, upper and lower arms, and stabilizer bar with
control link. Upper and lower arms attach to crossmember and knuckle. A stabilizer bar with control link is
mounted to lower arm and crossmember. Rear wheel alignment is adjusted by turning adjusting cams on lower
arm. Upper coil over shock mount plate has been redesigned for 1999-2000. New design incorporates a
urethane bumper and improves ride and cornering.
ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES
WHEEL BEARING ADJUSTMENT
Raise and support vehicle. Remove rear wheel assembly. Remove caliper assembly and ABS wheel speed
sensor. Remove brake rotor. Attach dial indicator to axle hub and measure bearing play. Check bearing axial
play by rocking hub assembly by hand. Maximum bearing play is .002" (.05 mm). If play exceeds specification,
check drive axle lock nut torque or replace wheel bearing. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
WHEEL BEARING
Removal
1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove rear wheel assembly. Remove drive axle lock nut. Remove brake
caliper assembly and ABS wheel speed sensor, and wire aside. Remove screws and rotor. Remove ABS
speed sensor bracket. Remove knuckle assembly from upper and lower arms.
2. Using Handle (49-G030-102), Installer (49-G030-727) and Puller (49-F026-103), remove hub from
knuckle. Remove snap ring from knuckle. Using handle, installer and Puller (49-0636-145), remove
wheel bearing inner race from hub. Remove wheel bearing outer race from knuckle using Handle (49-
G030-797), Puller (49-F026-103) and Adapter (49-F027-005).
Inspection
Check wheel hub and knuckle for cracks and damage. Check dust cover for deformation. Check bearing for
excessive wear or seizure. Replace components as necessary.
Installation
NOTE: See SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997, 1999-2000 SUSPENSION Rear - Miata

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997, 1999-2000 SUSPENSION Rear - Miata
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Press new wheel bearing into knuckle using Handle (49-G030-797), Installer (49-F027-007) and Adapter (49-
F027-009). Press hub into knuckle using adapter. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten drive axle lock
nut to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
. Stake drive axle lock nut. Check axial play. See
WHEEL BEARING ADJUSTMENT
.
SHOCK ASSEMBLY
Removal & Disassembly
1. Raise vehicle and remove fuel tank filler pipe protector (1997). Remove rear wheel assembly. Remove
stabilizer bar nut and bolt from lower control arm. Remove 2 upper shock mount-to-body nuts. Remove
lower shock bolt. Lower arms, and remove shock assembly.
2. Clamp shock securely in soft-jaw vise. Compress coil spring. Remove lock nut and washer. Remove
remaining components and note order for reassembly.
Inspection
Check shock for leaks or abnormal noise. Inspect components for wear or damage. Check for loose installation
of bolts and nuts. Replace components as necessary.
Reassembly (1997)
To reassemble, reverse disassembly procedure. To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure coil spring is
seated in upper and lower seats. See Fig. 1
. Tighten piston rod nut. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. CAUTION: DO NOT lower arms excessively. This may damage brake hose.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997, 1999-2000 SUSPENSION Rear - Miata
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