1997 MAZDA MX-5 torque spec

Check for damage, excessive wear and signs of bearing seizure. Inspect steering knuckle and hub for cracks,
scoring and rust. Check for damaged dust cover and poor fit with steering knuckle. Replace components as
necessary.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Adjust wheel bearing preload. See WHEEL BEARING
ADJUSTMENT under ADJUSTMENTS. Stake axle nut.
LOWER CONTROL ARM & BALL JOINT
Removal
1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove engine splash shield (if equipped). Separate
tie rod end from steering knuckle (as necessary). Remove stabilizer bar from lower control arm.
2. Remove shock lower mounting bolt and separate lower shock from lower control arm. Remove lower
control arm ball joint cotter pin and nut. Separate lower control arm ball joint stud from knuckle using
Puller (49 T028 3A0). Remove lower control arm pivot bolts and remove lower control arm.
Inspection
Check lower control arm for damage or cracks. Check bushings for deterioration and excessive wear. Check
ball joint for excessive wear. Examine dust boot for damage. Replace components as necessary.
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 lower control arm-to-frame bolts to specification with vehicle
resting on ground and suspension unloaded. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
.
UPPER CONTROL ARM & BALL JOINT
Removal
Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove engine splash shield. Remove wheel speed sensor
harness band. Remove shock lower mounting bolt, and separate lower shock from lower control arm. Remove
upper control arm ball joint cotter pin and nut. Separate upper control arm ball joint stud from knuckle using
Puller (49-0118-850C). Remove upper control arm pivot bolts and remove upper control arm.
Inspection
Check upper control arm for damage or cracks. Check bushings for deterioration and excessive wear. Check
ball joint for excessive wear. Examine dust boot for damage. Replace components as necessary.

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

Fig. 4 .
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Apply clean compressor oil to "O" rings before connecting fittings. DO
NOT apply compressor oil to fitting nuts. If installing new evaporator, add 1.7 ounces of compressor oil to A/C
compressor. Evacuate and charge A/C system. Check for leaks.
Fig. 4: Exploded View Of Evaporator Unit

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
A/C-HEATER SYSTEM - MANUAL 1997 Manual A/C-Heater System
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:41:48 PMPage 8 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
WIRING DIAGRAM
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Compressor Bracket-To-Engine Bolt28-38 (38-51)
Compressor-To-Compressor Bracket Bolt11-15 (15-21)
Refrigerant Pipe Fittings
Condenser Inlet11-18 (15-24)
Evaporator Outlet15-21 (20-29)
INCH Lbs. (N.m)
Evaporator Unit Nut71-97 (8-11)
Refrigerant Pipe Fittings
Compressor Inlet & Outlet89-132 (10-15)
Evaporator Inlet89-168 (10-19)
Receiver-Drier Inlet & Outlet89-168 (10-19)
Steering Wheel Nut79-121 (9-14)

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
A/C-HEATER SYSTEM - MANUAL 1997 Manual A/C-Heater System
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:41:48 PMPage 9 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

FLUID CAPACITIES
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE REFILL CAPACITIES
TRANSFER CASE REFILL CAPACITY
ADJUSTMENTS
GEARSHIFT LINKAGE
No external linkage adjustment is required.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
B-SeriesMERCON Or M-III
ATF
All Other Models
All-Season Usage(1) SAE 75W-90
Temp. Greater Than 50°F (10°C)(1) SAE 80W-90
Transfer Case
B-SeriesDexron-II Or MERCON
ATF
(1)API GL-4 or GL-5.
ApplicationQts. (L)
B-Series2.8 (2.6)
Miata2.1 (2.0)
MX-6 & 6262.9 (2.7)
Protege2.9 (2.7)
ApplicationQts. (L)
B-Series1.3 (1.2)
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Drain Plug (1)
B-Series30-43 (40-58)
Miata, MX-6, Protege & 62630-43 (40-58)
Fill Plug
B-Series30-43 (40-58)
Miata18-29 (24-39)
MX-6, Protege & 62630-43 (40-58)
Transfer Case Plug (B-Series)14-22 (19-30)

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-98 MANUAL TRANSMISSION SERVICING Mazda
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:37:16 PMPage 2 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Fig. 3: Checking Pinion Preload (Miata Shown; Others Are Similar)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Millenia
1. Ensure steering rack is in center position. Using Protractor (49-D032-316 ) and a torque wrench, tighten
adjusting cover 14-22 ft. lbs. (19-30 N.m), then loosen cover. Again, tighten adjusting cover to 15 ft. lbs.
(20 N.m), then loosen adjusting cover 25-35 degrees.
2. Apply thread sealant to exposed adjusting cover threads. Install and tighten adjusting cover lock nut 37-
50 ft. lbs. (50-68 N.m). Install Preload Adapter (49-0180-510B ) on pinion shaft. See Fig. 3
. Measure
pinion preload using spring scale. Pinion preload shoul d be 1.8-3.3 lbs. (.8-1.5 kg). If preload is not as
specified, repeat steps 1) and 2).
MPV
1. Ensure steering rack is in center position. Using Protractor (49-D032-316 ) and a torque wrench, tighten
adjusting cover to 15 ft. lbs. (20 N.m), then loosen cover. Again, tighten adjusting cover to 15 ft. lbs. (20
N.m) then loosen cover.
2. Tighten adjusting cover 44-56 INCH lbs. (5.0-6.3 N.m), then loosen adjusting cover 35-45 degrees.
Apply thread sealant to exposed adjusting cover threads. Install and tighten adjusting cover lock nut 37-
43 ft. lbs. (50-58 N.m).

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING SYSTEM - POWER RACK & PINION 1997 STEERING Mazda Power Rack & Pinion
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:39:26 PMPage 5 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

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
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:39:26 PMPage 6 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.