Mazda MX-5 Miata (1997+). Manual - part 46

axle shaft housing. Remove axle oil seal. See Fig. 5 . With axle shaft removed, remove retaining ring. 
Remove ABS sensor rotor.  

4. To remove bearing collar, grind collar until a section about .02" (.50 mm) remains. Using chisel, cut 

remaining bearing collar from axle shaft. Using Puller (49-S121-520A), remove axle bearing from axle 
shaft. Remove dust shield and backing plate.  

5. Using dial indicator and "V" blocks, check axle shaft for straightness. Maximum axle shaft runout 

is .059" (1.50 mm). Also check axle shaft splines for wear and damage. Use a press to replace wheel studs 
as necessary. DO NOT reuse wheel studs if removed.  

Installation 

To install, reverse removal procedure. Lubricate oil seal lip before replacement. Use Attachment (49-1011-748) 
and a press to install axle bearing onto axle shaft. DO NOT lubricate bearing collar before replacement. Use 
Attachment (49-1011-748) and a press to install NEW bearing collar. If press fit of collar requires less than 2.7 
tons (2699 kg) to install, replace axle shaft. Tighten nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

1997-98 DRIVE AXLES Differentials & Drive Axles - MPV & MX-5 Miata

  

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

1997-98 DRIVE AXLES Differentials & Drive Axles - MPV & MX-5 Miata

  

Fig. 5: Exploded View Of Rear Axle Shaft (MPV)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY 

Removal (Front MPV 4WD) 

1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove engine skid plate. See Fig. 6 . Drain front differential fluid. Remove 

tie rod ends and lower control arms. Remove front axle shafts. See AXLE SHAFTS - FRONT article.  

2. Mark drive shaft and differential carrier flanges for reassembly reference, and remove drive shaft from 

differential carrier. See Fig. 6 . Disconnect Automatic Free Wheel (AFW) vacuum hoses and electrical 
connector.  

3. Place floor jack under differential assembly. Remove differential-to-chassis mounting bolts and AFW 

extension housing mounting nuts. Remove differential and AFW extension housing from vehicle. 
Remove AFW assembly from left side of differential housing. Pull drive coupler from carrier. Remove 
differential carrier-to-housing bolts. Remove differential carrier.  

Installation 

To install, reverse removal procedure. Apply sealant to carrier mating flange. Align marks made during 
removal. Refill differential with lubricant. Tighten all nuts and bolts to specification. See TORQUE 
SPECIFICATIONS. 

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

1997-98 DRIVE AXLES Differentials & Drive Axles - MPV & MX-5 Miata

  

Fig. 6: Removing & Installing Front Differential (MPV 4WD) 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

Removal (Rear MPV) 

1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel and tire assembly. Drain rear differential fluid. Remove axles. 

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

1997-98 DRIVE AXLES Differentials & Drive Axles - MPV & MX-5 Miata