Mazda MX-5 Miata / Grand Touring. Manual - part 163

Fig. 10: Disconnecting Rear Lateral Link (Upper) Ball Joint Using SST 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

DUST BOOT INSTALLATION NOTE 

1. Wipe the grease off the ball joint stud.  

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

3. Using the SST , install the dust boot to the ball joint.  

4. Wipe off the excess grease. 

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 SUSPENSION Rear Suspension - MX-5 Miata

  

Fig. 11: Installing Dust Boot To Ball Joint Using SST 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

REAR LATERAL LINK (UPPER) INSPECTION 

1. Remove the rear lateral link (upper) from the vehicle. (See REAR LATERAL LINK (UPPER) 

REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)  

2. Inspect the link for bending or damage. If there is any malfunction, replace the link.  

3. Inspect the ball joint for looseness. If there is any malfunction, replace the ball joint.  

4. Rotate the ball joint 5 times.  

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

Rear lateral link (upper) ball joint rotational torque  

0.4-2.8 N.m {5-28 kgf.cm, 4-24 in.lbf}  



If not within the specification, replace the rear lateral link (upper). (See REAR LATERAL LINK 
(UPPER) REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .) 

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 SUSPENSION Rear Suspension - MX-5 Miata

  

Fig. 12: Measuring Ball-Joint Rotational Torque Using Allen Wrench & Torque Wrench 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

REAR LATERAL LINK (LOWER) REMOVAL/INSTALLATION 

1. Remove in the order indicated in Fig. 13 .  

2. Install in the reverse order of removal.  

3. Inspect the rear wheel alignment. (See REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENT .) 

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 SUSPENSION Rear Suspension - MX-5 Miata

  

Fig. 13: Identifying Rear Lateral Link (Lower) Components (With Torque Specifications) 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

REAR LATERAL LINK (LOWER) BALL JOINT REMOVAL NOTE 

1. Using the SST , disconnect the ball joint. 

NOTE:



When removing the rear lateral link (lower) ball joint, the rear knuckle 
bushing may also come off. If it comes off, replace the rear knuckle.  

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 SUSPENSION Rear Suspension - MX-5 Miata