Mazda MX-5 Miata / Grand Touring. Manual - part 108

Fig. 22: Pressing Bushing In Using SSTs
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

CLIP INSTALLATION NOTE 

1. Wipe the grease off the ball joint stud.  

2. Fill the inside of the new dust boot with grease.  

3. Install the dust boot to the ball joint.  

4. Install the clip using the SST .  

5. Verify that the clip is installed securely to the groove. 

Fig. 23: Installing Dust Boot To Ball Joint 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

6. Wipe off any excess grease.  

FRONT LOWER ARM INSTALLATION NOTE 

1. Install the front lower arm rear side bushing part horizontally.  

2. Install the front lower arm front side bushing part.  

FRONT LOWER ARM INSPECTION 

1. Remove the front lower arm from the vehicle. (See FRONT LOWER ARM 

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 SUSPENSION Front Suspension - MX-5 Miata

  

REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)  

2. Inspect the front lower arm for bending or damage. If there is any malfunction, replace it.  

3. Inspect the ball joint for excessive play. If there is any malfunction, replace the front lower arm.  

4. Rotate the ball joint 5 times .  

5. Measure the ball-joint rotational torque using an Allen wrench and a torque wrench. 

Front lower arm ball joint rotational torque  

0.4-2.9 N.m {5-29 kgf.cm, 4-25 in.lbf}  



If not within the specification, replace the front lower arm. (See FRONT LOWER ARM 
REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)  

Fig. 24: Measuring Ball-Joint Rotational Torque 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

FRONT UPPER ARM INSPECTION 

1. Remove the front upper arm from the vehicle. (See FRONT UPPER ARM 

REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)  

2. Inspect the front upper arm for bending or damage. If there is any malfunction, replace it.  

3. Inspect the ball joint for excessive play, and if there is any malfunction, replace the front upper arm.  

4. Rotate the ball joint 5 times .  

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 SUSPENSION Front Suspension - MX-5 Miata

  

5. Measure the ball-joint rotational torque using an Allen wrench and a torque wrench. 

Front upper arm ball joint rotational torque  

0.3-2.2 N.m {4-22 kgf.cm, 3-19 in.lbf}  



If not within the specification, replace the front upper arm. (See FRONT UPPER ARM 
REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)  

Fig. 25: Measuring Ball-Joint Rotational Torque Using Allen Wrench & Torque Wrench 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

FRONT UPPER ARM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION 

1. Remove in the order indicated in Fig. 26 .  

2. Install in the reverse order of removal.  

3. Inspect the front wheel alignment and adjust it if necessary. (See FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT .) 

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 while 
servicing the vehicle.  

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 SUSPENSION Front Suspension - MX-5 Miata

  

Fig. 26: Identifying Front Upper Arm Components (With Torque Specifications) 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

FRONT UPPER ARM BALL JOINT REMOVAL NOTE 

1. Remove the front upper arm ball joint from the steering knuckle using the SST . 

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 SUSPENSION Front Suspension - MX-5 Miata