1997 MAZDA MX-5 Factory Repair Manual

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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Fig. 1: Cross-Sectional View Of Upper Coil Over Shock Assembly (1997)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Reassembly (1999 & 2000)
Clamp shock in vise. Install spring and upper spring retainer in original orientation to shock. Tighten lower
piston rod nut so that exposed thread of piston rod is 0.62-0.69" (15.7-17.7mm). See Fig. 2 . Tighten upper nut
to 12-17 ft. lbs. (16-23 N.m).
CAUTION: Using air tool will damage piston rod thread. DO NOT use air tool.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997, 1999-2000 SUSPENSION Rear - Miata
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Fig. 2: Cross-Sectional View Of Upper Coil Over Shock Assembly (1999-2000)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997, 1999-2000 SUSPENSION Rear - Miata
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Installation
Reinstall shock in reverse order. Tighten nuts and bolts to specification with vehicle resting on ground and
suspension unloaded. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
. Check rear wheel alignment. See
SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT.
LOWER ARM
Removal
Raise and support vehicle. Remove rear wheel assembly. Remove stabilizer bar control link nut and bolt. See
Fig. 3
. Remove lower shock bolt. Remove lower arm-to-crossmember bolts. Remove lower arm-to-knuckle
bolts. Remove lower arm. Inspect arm for damage, cracks and deformation. Check for damaged or worn
bushings.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten all nuts/bolts to specification with vehicle resting on ground and
suspension unloaded. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
. Adjust rear wheel alignment. See
SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997, 1999-2000 SUSPENSION Rear - Miata
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Fig. 3: Exploded View Of Rear Lower Arm Assembly
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
UPPER ARM
Removal
Raise and support vehicle. Remove rear wheel assembly. Remove upper arm-to-crossmember bolts. Remove
upper arm-to-knuckle bolts. Remove upper arm. Inspect arm for damage, cracks and deformation. Check for
damaged or worn bushings.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten all nuts/bolts to specification with vehicle resting on ground and
suspension unloaded. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
. Adjust rear wheel alignment. See
SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997, 1999-2000 SUSPENSION Rear - Miata
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STABILIZER BAR
Removal
Raise and support vehicle. Remove rear wheel assembly. Remove stabilizer bar-to-crossmember bolts, brackets
and bushings. See Fig. 4
. Remove stabilizer bar control link-to-lower arm nut and bolt. Remove stabilizer bar
and control link from vehicle. Separate stabilizer bar from control link. Inspect stabilizer bar and components
for damage, cracks and deterioration.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure bushing is aligned with White line on stabilizer. Tighten nuts and
bolts to specification with vehicle resting on ground and suspension unloaded. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS .
Fig. 4: Exploded View Of Rear Stabilizer Bar & Control Link

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997, 1999-2000 SUSPENSION Rear - Miata
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Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
ABS Speed Sensor Harness & Bracket Bolts12-16 (16-22)
Caliper Assembly-To-Knuckle Bolt37-50 (50-68)
Drive Axle Lock Nut
1997160-216 (216-294)
1999 & 2000174-235 (236-318)
Lower Arm-To-Crossmember Nuts54-70 (73-95)
Lower Arm-To-Knuckle Nut46-55 (63-75)
Shock Piston Rod Nut
199722-27 (30-37)
Shock-To-Body Nuts22-26 (30-35)
Stabilizer Bar Bracket Bolts15-20 (20-28)
Stabilizer Link Bolts
199727-39 (37-53)
1999 & 200032-44 (44-60)
Strut-To-Lower Arm Bolt54-68 (73-93)
Upper Arm-To-Crossmember Nuts
199734-49 (47-66)
1999 & 200040-56 (54-76)
Upper Arm-To-Knuckle Bolt
199734-49 (47-66)
1999 & 200040-56 (54-76)
Wheel Lug Nuts66-86 (89-117)

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997, 1999-2000 SUSPENSION Rear - Miata
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STARTER - DIRECT DRIVE
1997 STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS Mazda - Starters - Direct Drive
DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
Direct drive starter is a conventional 12-volt, 4-pole, brush-type starter. The integral solenoid is attached to the
drive housing. The overrunning clutch pinion drive is mounted directly on end of armature shaft drive.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
ON-VEHICLE TESTING
* PLEASE READ FIRST *
CIRCUIT TESTING
If starter does not operate, check voltage at starter "S" terminal with ignition switch in START position (and
clutch depressed on M/T). See Fig. 1
. If voltage is greater than 8 volts, repair or replace starter as required. If
volta
ge is 8 volts or less, check ignition switch, park/neutral switch (A/T), interlock switch (M/T) and wiring. NOTE: See TROUBLE SHOOTING article in GENERAL INFORMATION.
NOTE: On all models with anti-theft system, obtain code number and deactivate audio
anti-theft system before disconnecting battery.
NOTE: Before testing, ensure battery is fully charged, battery cables and terminals are
clean and tight, and engine grounds are good.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STARTER - DIRECT DRIVE 1997 STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS Mazda - Starters - Direct Drive

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STARTER - DIRECT DRIVE 1997 STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS Mazda - Starters - Direct Drive
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