Mazda MX-5 Miata / Grand Touring. Manual - part 58

Fig. 49: Identifying Toe Contact & Flank Contact Points 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

5. If the heel and face contact points appear as shown in Fig. 50 after the drive pinion and ring gear teeth 

contact inspection, replace the spacer with a thicker one, and move the drive pinion inward. 

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 DRIVELINE/AXLES Differential - MX-5 Miata

  

Fig. 50: Identifying Heel & Face Contact Points 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 DRIVELINE/AXLES Differential - MX-5 Miata

  

2008 DRIVELINE/AXLES

Drive Shaft - MX-5 Miata 

REAR DRIVE SHAFT LOCATION INDEX 

Fig. 1: Identifying Location Of Rear Drive Shaft Components 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

REAR DRIVE SHAFT INSPECTION 

1. Verify that the drive shaft is not twisted or damaged. 



If there is any malfunction, replace the applicable part.  

2. Inspect the dust boot for damage and cracks. 



If there is any malfunction, replace the applicable part.  

3. Move the spline and joint up and down, left and right by hand and verify that there is no roughness. 



If there is any malfunction, replace the applicable part. 

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 DRIVELINE/AXLES Drive Shaft - MX-5 Miata

  

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 DRIVELINE/AXLES Drive Shaft - MX-5 Miata

  

REAR DRIVE SHAFT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION

1. Drain the rear differential oil.  

2. Remove in the order indicated in the table.  

3. Install in the reverse order of removal.  

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

CAUTION:



Performing the following procedures without first removing the ABS 
wheel-speed sensor may possibly cause an open circuit in the wiring 
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 Drive Shaft - MX-5 Miata