Mazda MX-5 Miata (1997+). Manual - part 47

See REAR AXLE SHAFTS & BEARINGS. 

2. Remove ABS wheel speed sensor. Mark drive shaft and differential carrier flanges for reassembly 

reference and remove drive shaft from differential 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 . 

Removal (Miata) 

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

mounting pipe. Remove exhaust pipe. Mark drive shaft and differential carrier flanges for reassembly 
reference and remove drive shaft from differential carrier. See Fig. 7 . Disconnect speedometer cable 
from transmission. Noting locations, disconnect wiring harness from Power Plant Frame (PPF). 

 

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. 7: Exploded View Of Differential Components (Miata)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

2. Support transmission using a jack. Remove PPF bracket from rear transmission extension housing (M/T 

only). Remove PPF-to-differential side bolts. Pry out spacer. Remove PPF/differential mounting spacer. 
See Fig. 8 . Install bolt (M14 X 1.5) into sleeve. See Fig. 9 .  

3. Twist bolt from side to side while pulling it downward. Install a metric bolt (M6 X 1) into hole in housing 

block to hold sleeve and remove long bolt (M14 X 1.5). Remove short bolt (M6 X 1).  

4. Remove PPF-to-transmission side bolts and remove PPF. Remove caliper assembly. Remove lower arm 

bolt. Mark and disconnect CV joint axle shafts from differential assembly, and support aside.  

5. Support differential assembly and remove differential-to-chassis mounting nuts. Remove differential from 

vehicle. Remove drive axle output shafts from carrier. Remove differential carrier-to-housing bolts. 
Remove differential carrier.  

Fig. 8: View Of Power Plant Frame (PPF) Components (Miata) 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

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

  

Fig. 9: Removing Reamer Bolt Sleeve (Miata) 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

Installation 

1. To install, reverse removal procedure. Apply sealant to carrier mating flange. Align marks made during 

removal and install axle shafts. Install differential. Raise transmission until engine and transmission are 
level.  

2. Position Power Plant Frame (PPF) in place. Install PPF/differential mounting spacer. Tighten bolts to 27-

38 ft. lbs. (37-52 N.m). Install and tighten PPF-to-transmission side mounting bolts.  

3. Ensure sleeve is installed into PPF housing block. Install spacer and bolts. Ensure reamer bolt is installed 

into front hole and tighten bolt. See Fig. 8 . 

4. Install transmission-to-PPF bracket (M/T only). Install remaining PPF bolts. Refill differential with 

NOTE:

Front PPF-to-differential side mounting bolt is reamer bolt which aligns 
PPF. See Fig. 8 .

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

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