Mazda MX-5 Miata / Grand Touring. Manual - part 161

Fig. 3: Identifying Rear Shock Absorber & Coil Spring Components (With Torque Specifications) 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

PISTON ROD NUT REMOVAL NOTE 

1. Set the SSTs using cloth to prevent the spring from being damaged.  

2. Using the SSTs, compress the coil spring and remove the piston rod nut. 

WARNING:



Before removing the piston rod nut, secure the shock absorber and 
spring in the SSTs. Otherwise, the shock absorber and spring could 
fly off under tremendous pressure and cause serious injury or 
death, or damage to the vehicle.  

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 SUSPENSION Rear Suspension - MX-5 Miata

  

Fig. 4: Removing Piston Rod Nut 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

COIL SPRING INSTALLATION NOTE 

1. Set the coil spring to the SSTs using cloth.  

2. Using the SSTs, compress the coil spring.  

3. Install the shock absorber so that the lower end of the coil spring is seated on the step of the lower spring 

seat. 

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 SUSPENSION Rear Suspension - MX-5 Miata

  

Fig. 5: Compressing Coil Spring Using SSTs 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

COLLAR INSTALLATION NOTE 

1. Install the collar so that the tapered side is facing downward as shown in Fig. 6 . 

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 SUSPENSION Rear Suspension - MX-5 Miata

  

Fig. 6: View Of Collar Tapered Side Down 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

SPRING SEAT RUBBER INSTALLATION NOTE 

1. Install the spring seat rubber to the upper spring seat as shown in Fig. 7 . 

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 SUSPENSION Rear Suspension - MX-5 Miata