Mazda MX-5 Miata / Grand Touring. Manual - part 47

10. Add differential oil.  

11. After adding the oil, perform the oil level inspection. (See DIFFERENTIAL OIL INSPECTION .)  

12. Install the oil-fill plug with a new washer and tighten. 

Fig. 7: Tapping In New Oil Seal Using SSTs 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

Tightening torque  

39.2-53.9 N.m {4.00-5.49 kgf.m, 29.0-39.7 ft.lbf}  

OIL SEAL (COMPANION FLANGE) REPLACEMENT 

1. Remove the rear differential. (See REAR DIFFERENTIAL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)  

2. Replace the oil seal (companion flange) referring to the rear differential disassembly/assembly procedure. 

(See REAR DIFFERENTIAL DISASSEMBLY .) (See REAR DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY .)  

3. Install the rear differential. (See REAR DIFFERENTIAL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)  

REAR DIFFERENTIAL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION 

CAUTION:



Performing the following procedures without first removing the ABS 
wheel-speed sensor may possibly cause an open circuit in the wiring 

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 DRIVELINE/AXLES Differential - MX-5 Miata

  

1. Drain the rear differential oil.  

2. Remove the middle pipe. (See EXHAUST SYSTEM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [LF] .)  

3. Remove the propeller shaft. (See PROPELLER SHAFT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)  

4. Remove the power plant frame. (See POWER PLANT FRAME REMOVAL NOTE .) (See POWER 

PLANT FRAME INSTALLATION NOTE .) (See POWER PLANT FRAME REMOVAL NOTE .) 
(See POWER PLANT FRAME INSTALLATION NOTE .) (See POWER PLANT FRAME 
REMOVAL NOTE .) (See POWER PLANT FRAME INSTALLATION NOTE .)  

5. Remove in the order indicated in Fig. 8 .  

6. Install in the reverse order of removal.  

7. Add rear differential oil. (See DIFFERENTIAL OIL REPLACEMENT .) 

harness if it is pulled by mistake. Before performing the following 
procedures, remove the ABS wheel-speed sensor (axle side) and fix 
it to an appropriate place where the sensor will not be pulled by 
mistake while servicing the vehicle.  

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 DRIVELINE/AXLES Differential - MX-5 Miata

  

Fig. 8: Identifying Rear Differential Components (With Torque Specifications) 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

BRAKE CALIPER COMPONENT REMOVAL NOTE 

1. Suspend the brake caliper component using a cable or equivalent. 

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 DRIVELINE/AXLES Differential - MX-5 Miata

  

Fig. 9: Suspending Brake Caliper 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

2. Temporarily tighten the wheel nut to prevent the disc plate from falling off.  

REAR DRIVE SHAFT, REAR KNUCKLE COMPONENT REMOVAL NOTE 

1. Insert a tire lever or equivalent between the rear differential and differential side outer ring, and remove 

the rear drive shaft. 

CAUTION:



The sharp edges of the drive shaft can slice or puncture the oil 
seal. Be careful not to damage the oil seal when removing the 
drive shaft from the differential.  

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 DRIVELINE/AXLES Differential - MX-5 Miata