Mazda MX-5 Miata (1997+). Manual - part 48

lubricant. Tighten all nuts and bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . To complete 
installation, reverse removal procedure.  

OVERHAUL 

DIFFERENTIAL 

Disassembly (Standard Type) 

1. Mount carrier in Differential Carrier Hanger (49-M005-561). Mark side bearing caps for reassembly 

reference. Remove adjuster lock plates (if equipped). See Fig. 10 .  

2. Loosen side bearing cap bolts and slightly back off adjusters. Remove side bearing caps. Remove 

differential assembly from carrier. Mark side bearing races for reassembly reference. Remove adjusters 
and side bearing races from differential.  

3. Remove drive pinion lock nut and washer. Remove companion flange using Puller (49-0839-425C). 

Remove oil seal, spacer, front bearing and collapsible spacer from carrier. Remove drive pinion, spacer 
and rear bearing assembly from carrier. Remove bearing races using a drift and hammer in slots provided 
on inner lip (as necessary).  

4. Remove ring gear retaining bolts. Separate ring gear from differential case. Mark side bearings for 

reassembly reference. Using Puller (49-0839-425C), remove side bearings from differential case. Remove 
knock pin. Remove pinion shaft, pinion gears, thrust washers, and side gears. See Fig. 10 . 

NOTE:

Mark positions of all components before disassembly.

NOTE:

Overhaul procedure for Limited Slip Differential (LSD) is not available.

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

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

  

Fig. 10: Exploded View Of Standard Differential & Carrier Assembly 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

Reassembly & Adjustment (Standard Type) 

1. Install side gears, thrust washers, pinion gears and pinion shaft. Position dial indicator against pinion 

gear. See Fig. 11 . Secure one side gear. 

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

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

  

Fig. 11: Measuring Side Gear & Pinion Gear Backlash 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

2. Check side gear and pinion gear backlash. If backlash exceeds .004" (.10 mm), replace thrust washers. 

See THRUST WASHER SPECIFICATIONS table. Install and stake knock pin. Noting marks made 
during disassembly, press side bearings onto differential assembly using Bearing Installer (49-G030-338 
or 49-UB71-525) and Body (49-F401-331). 

THRUST WASHER SPECIFICATIONS 

3. Apply locking compound to rear face of ring gear. Install ring gear and tighten ring gear retaining bolts to 

51-61 ft. lbs. (69-83 N.m). Using appropriate bearing installer set and press, install drive pinion bearing 
races into differential carrier.  

4. Put original spacer, rear bearing and Collar (49-H027-001) on Dummy Drive Pinion (49-8531-565). See 

Fig. 12 . Secure collar with "O" ring. Install assembly into differential carrier.  

Identifying Mark Thickness - In. (mm)
0

.0787 (2.000)

05

.0807 (2.050)

1

.0827 (2.100)

15

.0846 (2.150)

2

.0866 (2.200)

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

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

  

5. Install front bearing and collar on dummy drive pinion. See COLLAR SELECTION table. Install 

companion flange, washer and original drive pinion lock nut. Tighten drive pinion lock nut so dummy 
drive pinion assembly can be turned by hand. 

COLLAR SELECTION 

Application

Collar No.

Miata

49-8531-567

MPV

49-U027-001

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

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