1997 MAZDA MX-5 Factory Repair Manual

Fig. 1: Measuring Rotation Starting Torque (MPV)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
5. Hold the companion flan
ge by using Flange Holder (49 S120 710), and remove the locknut.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-98 DRIVE AXLES Differentials & Drive Axles - MPV & MX-5 Miata
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Fig. 2: Holding Companion Flange (MPV)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
6. Remove the companition flan
ge by using Puller (49 0839 425C).

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-98 DRIVE AXLES Differentials & Drive Axles - MPV & MX-5 Miata
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Fig. 3: Removing Companion Flange (MPV)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
7. Remove the oil seal.
8. Apply a thin coat of lithium-based grease to the lip of a new oil seal, and install it by using the Seal
Installer (49 U027 003).

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-98 DRIVE AXLES Differentials & Drive Axles - MPV & MX-5 Miata
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Fig. 4: Installing Oil Seal (MPV)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
9. Install the companion flange and tighten the locknut to get the starting torque measured in step 4 .
10. Install the drive shaft. Tighten bolts to specfiication. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
. Add
differential oil to the specified level. SeeFLUID TYPE
.
REAR AXLE SHAFTS & BEARINGS
Removal (MPV)
1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove rear wheel and tire assembly. Remove brake caliper and support
aside. Remove brake disc plate. See Fig. 5
. Using dial indicator, measure axle bearing play. Replace axle
bearing if play exceeds .023" (.57 mm).
2. Remove hold pin from parking brake shoe assembly and remove parking brake shoe assembly.
Disconnect parking brake cable. Using Flare Nut Wrench (49-0259-770B), disconnect brake pipe. Plug
brake pipe openings.
3. Remove rear axle shaft assembly-to-axle shaft housing retaining nuts. Using Puller (49-0223-630B) and
Attachment (49-8501-631A), remove rear axle shaft, backin
g plate and dust cover as an assembly from

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-98 DRIVE AXLES Differentials & Drive Axles - MPV & MX-5 Miata
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axle shaft housing. Remove axle oil seal. See Fig. 5. With axle shaft removed, remove retaining ring.
Remove ABS sensor rotor.
4. To remove bearing collar, grind collar until a section about .02" (.50 mm) remains. Using chisel, cut
remaining bearing collar from axle shaft. Using Puller (49-S121-520A), remove axle bearing from axle
shaft. Remove dust shield and backing plate.
5. Using dial indicator and "V" blocks, check axle shaft for straightness. Maximum axle shaft runout
is .059" (1.50 mm). Also check axle shaft splines for wear and damage. Use a press to replace wheel studs
as necessary. DO NOT reuse wheel studs if removed.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Lubricate oil seal lip before replacement. Use Attachment (49-1011-748)
and a press to install axle bearing onto axle shaft. DO NOT lubricate bearing collar before replacement. Use
Attachment (49-1011-748) and a press to install NEW bearing collar. If press fit of collar requires less than 2.7
tons (2699 k
g) to install, replace axle shaft. Tighten nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-98 DRIVE AXLES Differentials & Drive Axles - MPV & MX-5 Miata
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:52:42 PMPage 7 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-98 DRIVE AXLES Differentials & Drive Axles - MPV & MX-5 Miata
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:52:42 PMPage 8 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Fig. 5: Exploded View Of Rear Axle Shaft (MPV)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY
Removal (Front MPV 4WD)
1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove engine skid plate. See Fig. 6 . Drain front differential fluid. Remove
tie rod ends and lower control arms. Remove front axle shafts. See AXLE SHAFTS
- FRONT article.
2. Mark drive shaft and differential carrier flanges for reassembly reference, and remove drive shaft from
differential carrier. See Fig. 6
. Disconnect Automatic Free Wheel (AFW) vacuum hoses and electrical
connector.
3. Place floor jack under differential assembly. Remove differential-to-chassis mounting bolts and AFW
extension housing mounting nuts. Remove differential and AFW extension housing from vehicle.
Remove AFW assembly from left side of differential housing. Pull drive coupler from carrier. Remove
differential carrier-to-housing bolts. Remove differential carrier.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Apply sealant to carrier mating flange. Align marks made during
removal. Refill differential with lubricant. Tighten all nuts and bolts to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-98 DRIVE AXLES Differentials & Drive Axles - MPV & MX-5 Miata
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Fig. 6: Removing & Installing Front Differential (MPV 4WD)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Removal (Rear MPV)
1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel and tire assembly. Drain rear differential fluid. Remove axles.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-98 DRIVE AXLES Differentials & Drive Axles - MPV & MX-5 Miata
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