1997 MAZDA MX-5 tow

2. Drain cooling system. Remove dashboard. Remove heater unit. SAS unit connectors. Remove 4 SAS unit
mounting bracket nuts. Remove 2 SAS unit retaining screws. Remove SAS unit. See Fig. 9
.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Position SAS unit and bracket with arrow toward front of vehicle.
Tighten fasteners to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
. After SAS unit is installed, activate air
bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
. Check AIR BAG warning light to
ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
.
CLOCKSPRING
Removal
1. Set front wheels in straight-ahead position. Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS .
Disable air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
.
2. Remove driver-side air bag module. See DRIVER
-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE . Remove steering wheel
nut. Using a puller, remove steering wheel. Remove steering column covers. Remove clockspring screws.
Remove clockspring and combination switch as an assembly.
Installation
1. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten steering wheel nut to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS .
2. After installation, activate air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
.
Check AIR BAG warning light to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION
CHECK .
SAS UNIT
Removal
1. Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
2. SAS unit is located under center of dashboard. See Fig. 1
. Remove dashboard. Remove heater assembly.
Disconnect SAS unit connectors. Remove 4 SAS unit mounting bracket nuts. Remove 2 SAS unit
retainin
g screws. Remove SAS unit. See Fig. 9. NOTE: Clockspring is part of combination switch. When replacing clockspring, replace
the clockspring and combination switch as an assembly.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM 1997 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Mazda - Air Bag Restraint System
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:40:47 PMPage 13 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Fig. 9: Removing/Installing SAS Unit
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Position SAS unit and bracket with arrow toward front of vehicle.
Tighten fasteners to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
. After SAS unit is installed, activate air
bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
. Check AIR BAG warning light to
ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
.
AIR BAG SYSTEM DEPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION NOTE
New SAS units are not input with a deployment approval signal to prevent accidental deployment during
installation and will not operate properly until the signal is input.
1. Install new SAS unit and verify air bag warning light continuously flashes approximately 6 seconds after
ignition is turned on. Turn ignition to LOCK position and then back to ON position while warning light is
flashing.
2. Air bag warning light should illuminate and then go out after approximately 6 seconds. If warning light
does not go out, repeat procedure.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM 1997 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Mazda - Air Bag Restraint System
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:40:47 PMPage 14 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

1. Raise and support rear of vehicle. Remove rear wheel assemblies. If drums are installed on vehicle,
remove cover from adjusting hole at bottom of brake backing plate. Turn adjusting screw with a brake
adjusting tool until shoes drag against brake drum and lock drum.
2. When shoes are against drum, loosen adjusting screw an additional 10-12 notches so drum rotates freely.
If drum does not rotate freely, remove wheel and drum and vacuum dust and dirt from linings. Use
sandpaper and remove rust from points where shoes touch backing plate. Apply a light coating of
molybdenum grease to brake shoe-to-backing plate contact points. Install wheel and drum and adjust
shoes.
3. To adjust brakes with rear drums removed, first clean all rust and dirt on points where shoes touch
backing plate and apply a small amount of molybdenum grease to those areas. Using a brake shoe
adjustment gauge, measure inside diameter of drum braking surface.
4. Reverse tool and adjust brake shoes until they touch gauge. Gauge contact points on shoes must be
parallel to vehicle with center line through center of axle. Hold automatic adjusting lever out of
engagement while rotating adjusting screw to prevent burring screw slots. Ensure adjusting screw rotates
freely.
MX-3, MX-6, Protege & 626
Raise and support rear of vehicle. Remove rear wheel assemblies. Release parking brake. Remove brake drum.
Insert screwdriver between adjusting plate and quadrant. Twist screwdriver to disengage teeth. See Fig. 2
. Push
quadrant adjusting lever toward backing plate. Install brake drum. Operate parking brake a few times to reset
ad
juster. Adjust parking brake.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
BRAKE SYSTEM 1995-97 BRAKES Mazda - Disc & Drum
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:51:02 PMPage 3 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

caliper. Remove rear brake pads. See REAR DISC BRAKE PADS. Remove remaining caliper guide
bolt. Remove brake caliper from caliper mount. To install, reverse removal procedure. Bleed air from
system.
Removal & Installation (MX-3)
1. Raise and support rear of vehicle. Remove rear wheel assemblies. Release parking brake and disconnect
parking brake cable from caliper. Disconnect brake flexhose from caliper. See Fig. 13
.
2. Remove upper caliper mounting bolt. Rotate caliper downward. Remove "V" spring, pads, shims and
guide plates. Replace brake pads if pad lining thickness is less than .04" (1.0 mm).
3. Remove lower caliper mounting bolt. Pull caliper toward center of vehicle to slide it off of caliper mount.
To install, reverse removal procedure. Using Brake Piston Wrench (49 FA18 602), turn wrench clockwise
until piston bottoms out in brake caliper. Bleed air from system.
REAR BRAKE ROTOR
Removal & Installation (Miata, Millenia, MPV, MX-3, MX-6, Protege, RX7, 626 & 929)
1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove rear wheel assemblies. Remove rear brake caliper with brake hose
connected. See REAR BRAKE CALIPER
. Support caliper using wire. Remove rotor-to-hub screws (if
equipped). Remove rotor.
2. Machine rotor if lateral runout exceeds specification. Replace rotor if measured thickness is less than
specified minimum thickness. See DISC BRAKE SPECIFICATIONS
.
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Check end play at grease cap. On 929, if end play
exceeds .004" (.10 mm), check lock nut torque or replace wheel bearings. On all other models, if end play
exceeds .002" (.05 mm), check lock nut torque or replace wheel bearings.
REAR BRAKE SHOES & WHEEL CYLINDERS
Removal (B2300, B3000 & B4000)
1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove rear wheel assemblies. Remove brake drum. Machine or replace drum
as necessary if inner diameter is not as specified. See DRUM BRAKE SPECIFICATIONS
.
2. Place a wheel cylinder clamp over ends of wheel cylinder. Disengage adjusting lever from adjusting
screw by pulling backwards on self adjuster cable. See Fig. 15
.
3. Move outboard side of adjusting screw upward and back off pivot nut as far as possible. Pull adjusting
lever, cable and adjusting lever spring down and toward rear to unhook pivot hook from large hole in
secondary shoe. DO NOT pry pivot hook from hole.
4. Remove adjusting lever spring and adjusting lever. Remove secondary shoe-to-retracting spring. Remove
primary shoe-to-retracting spring. Unhook cable anchor and remove anchor pin plate.
5. Note color and position of shoe hold-down springs for reassembly. Remove cable guide, shoe hold-down
springs, brake shoes, adjusting screw, pivot nut and socket. Remove parking brake link spring and link.
6. Disconnect parking brake cable from lever. Remove secondary shoe. Disassemble parking brake lever
from shoe by removing retaining clip and spring washer. See Fig. 16
. Remove brake cylinder-to-shoe
connectin
g links. Disconnect brake line from brake cylinder. Remove brake cylinder.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
BRAKE SYSTEM 1995-97 BRAKES Mazda - Disc & Drum
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:51:03 PMPage 23 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

SOLENOIDS & SOLENOID VALVES
SOLENOIDS & SOLENOID VALVES
SWITCHES
SWITCHES
MISCELLANEOUS
MISCELLANEOUS
Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS)On speedometer assembly.
Water Temperature Sender UnitOn center of engine. See Fig. 1 .
Washer Fluid Level SensorOn washer fluid reservoir. See Fig. 1 .
ComponentComponent Location
AT Interlock SolenoidIn steering column, near ignition switch. See Fig. 2 .
EC-AT Solenoid ValveOn left side of transmission.
EGR Solenoid Valve (Vacuum)On right side of engine compartment. See Fig. 1 .
EGR Solenoid Valve (Vent)On right side of engine compartment. See Fig. 1 .
Fourth Gear Solenoid ValveOn left side of transmission.
Idle Air Control ValveOn right side, front of engine compartment. See Fig. 1 .
PRC Solenoid ValveOn right side, front of engine. See Fig. 1 .
Purge Solenoid ValveOn right strut tower. See Fig. 1 .
ComponentComponent Location
Back-Up Lamp Switch (M/T)On right side of transmission. See Fig. 1 .
Brake SwitchOn bracket, above brake pedal. See Fig. 2 .
Buckle SwitchOn driver side seat belt buckle. See Fig. 3 .
Clutch Switch (M/T)On bracket, above clutch pedal. See Fig. 2 .
Hold SwitchUnder right side of center console.
Key Reminder SwitchIn steering column, near ignition switch.
Neutral Switch (M/T)On right side of transmission. See Fig. 1 .
Oil Pressure SwitchOn right side of engine. See Fig. 1 .
"P" Range SwitchUnder center console, on base of gear selector.
Parking Brake SwitchOn base of parking brake lever. See Fig. 4 .
Power Steering Pressure SwitchOn power steering pump assembly.
Refrigerant Pressure SwitchIn front of engine compartment, near radiator support. See Fig. 1 .
Starter Interlock Switch (M/T)On bracket, above clutch pedal. See Fig. 2 .
ThermoswitchUnder right side of dash.
Transmission Range SwitchOn left side of transmission.
ComponentComponent Location

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997 MAZDA MX-5 Miata
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:54:00 PMPage 3 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

wheel puller. Pry out seal.
Installation
1. Apply light oil coat to seal lip. Using a hammer and seal installer, tap seal into oil pump body until it is
flush with edge of pump body. DO NOT bottom seal in pump body. Align keyway slots, and install
crankshaft sprocket and Woodruff key with tapered side toward oil pump body. Install crankshaft
sprocket bolt.
2. Using Crankshaft Lock Tool (49-D011-102), lock crankshaft sprocket into position. Tighten lock bolt to
specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
.
3. Install timing belt. See TIMING BELT
under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Install timing belt
covers, pulleys and drive belts. Reconnect negative battery cable and ensure timing is correct.
TIMING BELT
Removal (Miata)
1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Drain cooling system. Remove radiator hose and by-pass hoses from
thermostat housing. Remove air cleaner intake duct assembly from between throttle body and air cleaner
filter housing.
2. Remove drive belts and water pump pulley. Align crankshaft pulley timing mark with cylinder No. 1 at
TDC of compression stroke. Hold crankshaft pulley stationary. Remove crankshaft pulley bolts and
pulley. Remove crankshaft pulley hub bolt and hub.
3. Remove cylinder head cover. Remove upper, center and lower timing belt cover. If timing belt is to be
reused, mark timing belt rotation direction. Ensure timing marks on camshaft sprockets are aligned. See
Fig. 8
. Loosen timing belt tensioner lock bolt, and move tensioner away from belt with spring fully
expanded. Remove timing belt.
Removal (Protege)
1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Raise and support vehicle. Remove right front wheel. Remove right
side cover and undercover.
2. Remove drive belts and water pump pulley. Align crankshaft pulley timing mark with cylinder No. 1 at
TDC of compression stroke. Hold crankshaft stationary. Remove crankshaft pulley bolts and pulley.
Remove crankshaft pulley hub bolt and hub.
3. Remove cylinder head cover. Remove upper, center and lower timing belt cover. If timing belt is to be
reused, mark timing belt rotation direction. Ensure timing marks on camshaft sprockets are aligned. See
Fig. 8
. Loosen timing belt tensioner lock bolt, and move tensioner away from belt with spring fully
expanded. Remove timin
g belt. NOTE: For 1997-98 vehicles, the manufacturer recommends the belt be replaced at
60,000 mile intervals for vehicles sold outside of California and Massachusetts.
For vehicles sold in California and Massachusetts, inspect timing belt at 60,000
and 90,000 miles, and replace timing belt at 105,000 miles.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-98 ENGINES 1.8L 4-Cylinder
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:55:15 PMPage 12 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Fitting Pistons
1. Ensure pistons are not scored or damaged. Measure piston diameter on piston skirt at 90-degree angle
from piston pin, .65" (16.5 mm) below lowest ring groove. See PISTONS, PINS & RINGS
under
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS.
2. Check piston-to-cylinder wall clearance in 3 different vertical places of piston travel. If clearance is not
within specification, re-bore cylinders to fit oversize pistons. Using NEW piston rings, measure piston
ring side clearance around entire piston circumference. If clearance is not within specification, replace
piston. See PISTONS, PINS & RINGS
.
Piston Rings
1. If ring end gap and side clearance are not within specification, replace piston and/or rings as necessary.
See PISTONS, PINS & RINGS
under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS.
2. Install oil ring spacer. Ensure ends DO NOT overlap. See Fig. 19
. Upper and lower rails are the same
and are interchangeable. In stall rails, ensuring rails are expanded by spacer tangs (oil rings when
assembled should rotate freely). Install rings No. 1 (top) and No. 2 (second) with "R" mark toward top of
piston. Ensure ring end gaps are properly positioned around piston. See Fig. 20
.
Fig. 19: Identifying Oil Rings
NOTE: Pistons and rings are available in .010" (.25 mm) and .020" (.50 mm) oversize.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-98 ENGINES 1.8L 4-Cylinder
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:55:15 PMPage 29 © 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.