1997 MAZDA MX-5 dimensions

90 degrees apart. Position dial indicator against ring gear to check ring gear backlash.
14. Check backlash at all 4 locations. Tighten side bearing adjusters equally until backlash is .0035-
.0043" (.09-.11 mm). Minimum backlash at any point is .002" (.05 mm). Difference between minimum
and maximum backlash should not exceed .0028" (.07 mm).
15. To set differential bearing preload, tighten adjusters equally until distance between measuring points on
carrier bearing caps is within specification. See Fig. 13
. See DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER
DIMENSIONS table.
16. Ensure backlash did not change when preload was set. Tighten side bearing cap bolts to specification. See
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. Check ring gear tooth patterns. See GEAR TOOTH CONTACT
PATTERNS article in GENERAL INFORMATION.
17. To complete reassembly, reverse disassembly procedure. Tighten all nuts and bolts to specification. See
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
.
DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER DIMENSIONS
Application(1) In. (mm)
Miata7.300-7.303 (185.43-185.50)
MPV 2WD8.022-8.050 (203.78-204.50)
MPV 4WD
Front7.275-7.303 (184.78-185.50)
Rear8.022-8.050 (203.78-204.50)
(1)See illustration for measuring point. See Fig. 13 .

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-98 DRIVE AXLES Differentials & Drive Axles - MPV & MX-5 Miata
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STEERING WHEEL .
COMBINATION SWITCH .
2. Remove ignition switch/steering lock assembly. See IGNITION SWITCH/STEERING LOCK
ASSEMBLY under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Remove steering column. See STEERING
COLUMN under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Turn steering shaft to remove.
Inspection
Inspect all components for damage and wear. Check steering shaft for bends, damage or sheared plastic pins.
Check bearings for excessive play. Replace components as necessary. Measure length of steering shaft. See
STEERING SHAFT DIMENSIONS
table. See Fig. 12 -18 .
Reassembly
To reassemble, reverse disassembly procedure. Grease steering shaft, bushings and bearings. Use NEW shear
screws.
STEERING SHAFT DIMENSIONS
(1)
ApplicationLength - In. (mm)
Miata22.75-22.83 (577.8-579.8)
Millenia21.95 (557.5)
MPV24.09-24.21 (612.0-615.0)
MX-322.46-22.54 (570.6-572.6)
MX-6 & 62622.35-22.42 (567.6-569.6)
Protege21.24-21.31 (539.3-541.3)
RX730.69-30.76 (779.5-781.5)
92924.49-24.57 (622.0-624.0)
(1)For measuring points, see Fig. 12 -Fig. 18 .

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1995-97 STEERING Mazda Motors Corp. - Steering Columns
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Fig. 12: Measuring Steering Shaft Dimensions (Miata)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Fig. 13: Measuring Steering Shaft Dimensions (Millenia)

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1995-97 STEERING Mazda Motors Corp. - Steering Columns
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:40:02 PMPage 17 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Fig. 14: Measuring Steering Shaft Dimensions (MPV)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Fig. 15: Measuring Steering Shaft Dimensions (MX
-3, Protege & 323)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1995-97 STEERING Mazda Motors Corp. - Steering Columns
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:40:02 PMPage 18 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Fig. 16: Measuring Steering Shaft Dimensions (MX-6, 626)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Fig. 17: Measuring Steering Shaft Dimensions (RX7)

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1995-97 STEERING Mazda Motors Corp. - Steering Columns
Microsoft
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Fig. 18: Measuring Steering Shaft Dimensions (929)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Steering Column Upper Mounting Bolts
Miata, Millenia, MPV, MX-6, RX7, 626 & 92912-16 (16-22)
Steering Column Lower Mounting Bolts
Miata, RX7 & 92913-19 (18-26)
Millenia, MX-6 & 62612-17 (16-23)
Steering Shaft "U" Joint Bolts13-19 (18-26)
Steering Wheel Lock Nut29-36 (39-49)
INCH Lbs. (N.m)
Column Lower Bracket Mounting Bolts
MX-380-124 (9-14)
Protege53-80 (6-9)
Driver Air Bag Module Bolts/Nuts
Millenia80-115 (9-13)
MPV, MX-6, Protege & 62671-106 (8-12)
Miata35-53 (4-6)
Key Interlock Cable Bolt35-53 (4-6)
Steering Column Lower Mounting Nuts
MPV62-89 (7-10)
MX-3 & Protege18-53 (2-6)

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1995-97 STEERING Mazda Motors Corp. - Steering Columns
Microsoft
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