Mazda MX-5 Miata / Grand Touring. Manual - part 48

Fig. 10: Removing Rear Drive Shaft & Rear Knuckle Components 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

2. Pull the rear drive shaft and rear knuckle component to the outer side, and detach the rear drive shaft from 

the rear differential.  

3. To hold the rear drive shaft and rear knuckle component, install the rear lateral link (upper) to the rear 

knuckle temporarily after disconnecting the rear drive shaft.  

REAR DIFFERENTIAL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION NOTE 

1. Remove or install the rear differential, while supporting it securely with a jack, and moving the jack 

gradually. 

WARNING:



If the rear differential falls off, it can cause serious injuries or death, 
and damage to the vehicle. When removing/installing the rear 
differential, verify that it is supported securely with a jack.  

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 DRIVELINE/AXLES Differential - MX-5 Miata

  

Fig. 11: Supporting Differential With Jack 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

REAR DRIVE SHAFT, REAR KNUCKLE COMPONENT INSTALLATION NOTE 

1. Install a new drive shaft clip to the clip groove at the top of the rear drive shaft with the clip opening 

facing upward and the clip width within the specification. 

Standard  

31.2 mm {1.23 in}  

2. After installing the clip, measure the outer diametric if it exceeds the specification, reinstall a new clip.  

3. Apply differential oil to the differential oil seal lip. 

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 DRIVELINE/AXLES Differential - MX-5 Miata

  

Fig. 12: View Of Drive Shaft Clip To Clip Groove At Top Of Rear Drive Shaft 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

4. Insert the rear drive shaft into the rear differential with the clip opening facing upward.  

5. After installation, verify that the rear drive shaft is securely held by the clip by pulling the outer ring on 

the differential side towards the axle.  

REAR DIFFERENTIAL DISASSEMBLY 

1. Disassemble in the order indicated in Fig. 13 . 

CAUTION:



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

WARNING:



The engine stand is equipped with a self-lock mechanism, however, 
if the rear differential is tilted, the self-lock mechanism could 
become inoperative. If the rear differential unexpectedly rotates, it 
could cause injury, therefore do not maintain the rear differential 
tilted. When turning the rear differential, grasp the rotation handle 
firmly.  

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 DRIVELINE/AXLES Differential - MX-5 Miata

  

Fig. 13: Exploded View Of Rear Differential Components 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

DIFFERENTIAL COMPONENT DISASSEMBLY NOTE 

1. Install the differential component to the SSTs . 

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 DRIVELINE/AXLES Differential - MX-5 Miata