Mazda MX-5 Miata / Grand Touring. Manual - part 168

Fig. 30: Measuring Ball-Joint Rotational Torque Using Allen Wrench & Torque Wrench 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

REAR CROSSMEMBER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION 

1. Remove the exhaust pipe. (See EXHAUST SYSTEM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [LF] .)  

2. Remove the propeller shaft. (See PROPELLER SHAFT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)  

3. Remove the power plant frame. (See TRANSMISSION REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [M15M-D] .) 

(See TRANSMISSION REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [P66M-D] .) (See AUTOMATIC 
TRANSMISSION REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [SJ6A-EL] .)  

4. Remove the rear drive shaft. (See REAR DRIVE SHAFT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)  

5. Remove the rear differential. (See REAR DIFFERENTIAL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)  

6. Remove in the order indicated in the table.  

7. Install in the reverse order of removal. 

CAUTION:



Performing the following procedures without first removing the ABS 
wheel-speed sensor may possibly cause an open circuit in the wiring 
harness if it is pulled by mistake. Before operations, remove the ABS 
wheel-speed sensor (axle side) and move the sensor away from the 
harnesses.  

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 SUSPENSION Rear Suspension - MX-5 Miata

  

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

Fig. 31: Identifying Rear Crossmember Components (With Torque Specifications) 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

REAR AXLE COMPONENT REMOVAL NOTE 

NOTE:



When removing the ball joints, the rear knuckle bushings may also come 
off. If they come off, replace the rear knuckle.  

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 SUSPENSION Rear Suspension - MX-5 Miata

  

1. Support the knuckle using a jack.  

2. Using the SST , disconnect the rear trailing link (upper) ball joint.  

3. Remove the rear trailing link (lower) outer bolt. 

Fig. 32: Disconnecting Rear Trailing Link (Upper) Ball Joint Using SST 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

4. Using the SST , disconnect the rear lateral link (upper) ball joint. 

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 SUSPENSION Rear Suspension - MX-5 Miata

  

Fig. 33: Disconnecting Rear Lateral Link (Upper) Ball Joint Using SST 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

5. Using the SST , disconnect the rear lateral link (lower) ball joint.  

6. Remove the toe control link outer bolt.  

7. Remove the shock absorber lower bolt.  

8. Remove the rear axle component. 

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 SUSPENSION Rear Suspension - MX-5 Miata