Mazda MX-5 Miata / Grand Touring. Manual - part 57

Fig. 45: Measuring Probe Of Dial Gauge Attached To End Of One Of Ring Gear Teeth 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

8. Secure the drive pinion and measure the backlash of the ring gear. 

Backlash of drive pinion and ring gear  

Standard: 0.09-0.11 mm {0.0035-0.0043 in}  

Minimum value: 0.05 mm {0.0020 in} or more  

Variance: 0.07 mm {0.0028 in} or less  

NOTE:



Measure the backlash at 4 locations around the ring gear. Make sure 
all of the 4 locations are within specification, and the minimum value 
for the 4 locations is 0.05 mm {0.0020 in} or more and the variance is 
0.07 mm {0.0028 in} or less  

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 DRIVELINE/AXLES Differential - MX-5 Miata

  

9. If the backlash is not within the specification, adjust the gear case component by moving it in the axial 

direction. 

BEARING CAP ASSEMBLY NOTE 

1. Align the bearing cap alignment marks and assemble the bearing cap with the arrow facing outward. 

Tightening torque  

72.6-106.9 N.m {7.41-10.91 kgf.m, 53.5-78.84 ft.lbf}

Fig. 46: Measuring Backlash At 4 Locations Around Ring Gear 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

NOTE:



When moving the gear case component in the axial direction, replace 
the adjustment shims. If the adjustment shim on the right side is 
replaced with one that is 0.05 mm {0.0020 in} thicker, replace the one 
on the left with one that is 0.05 mm {0.0020 in} thinner.  

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 DRIVELINE/AXLES Differential - MX-5 Miata

  

Fig. 47: Aligning Bearing Cap Alignment Marks & Assembling Bearing Cap 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

2. Perform the drive pinion and ring gear tooth contact inspection.  

DRIVE PINION, RING GEAR TOOTH CONTACT INSPECTION 

1. Apply tooth marking compound evenly to both surfaces of the ring gear.  

2. Rotate the ring gear back and forth for several times.  

3. Inspect the tooth contact pattern in 4 locations around the ring gear, and verify that the tooth contact 

points exhibit the pattern shown in Fig. 48 . 



If the tooth contact points are normal, wipe off the marking compound.  



If the tooth contact points are not normal, adjust the pinion height, then adjust the backlash. 

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 DRIVELINE/AXLES Differential - MX-5 Miata

  

Fig. 48: Inspecting Tooth Contact Pattern In Locations Around Ring Gear 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

4. If the toe and flank contact points appear as shown in Fig. 49 after the drive pinion and ring gear teeth 

contact inspection, replace the spacer with a thinner one, and move the drive pinion outward. 

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 DRIVELINE/AXLES Differential - MX-5 Miata