Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Differentials & Drive Axles All sections

Differential: Overhaul Mazda MX-5 NC

Differentials & Drive Axles 9 illustrations ~459 words

Rear Bearing Disassembly Note

CAUTIONThe drive pinion could be damaged if it falls off. Support the drive pinion with your hand when removing the rear bearing.

Scheme 39

Scheme 39
  1. Remove the rear bearing using the SST and a press.

Scheme 40

Scheme 40: Front Bearing Outer Race, Rear Bearing Outer Race Disassembly Note
  1. Remove the bearing outer race by lightly tapping the edge of the bearing outer race using a flathead screwdriver.
WARNINGThe engine stand is equipped with a self-lock mechanism, however, if the rear differential is tilted, the self-lock mechanism could become inoperative. If the rear differential unexpectedly rotates, it could cause injury, therefore do not maintain the rear differential tilted. When turning the rear differential, grasp the rotation handle firmly.

Note. Clean away the old silicone sealant before applying the new silicone sealant. Install the rear cover within 10 min after applying the silicone sealant. Allow the sealant to set at least 30 min or more after installation before filling the differential with differential oil.

Scheme 41

Scheme 41
  1. Assemble in the order indicated in (Scheme 41).

Washer Assembly Note

  1. Assemble the side gear, thrust washer, pinion gear, and the pinion shaft to the gear case.
  2. Install the dial gauge with the measuring probe of the dial gauge attached perpendicularly to the end of one of the pinion gear teeth.
  3. Fix either one of the side gears.
  4. Move the pinion gear and measure the backlash at the pinion gear top. If it is not within the specification, adjust by choosing the proper washer. Backlash of pinion gear and side gear 0.1 mm {0.004 in} or less
Identification markPart nameThickness (mm {in})
9MA29 27 2520.90 {0.0354}
95MA29 27 2530.95 {0.0374}
0MA29 27 2541.00 {0.0393}
05MA29 27 2561.05 {0.0413}
1MA29 27 2571.10 {0.0433}

WASHER TABLE

Roll Pin Assembly Note

  1. Align the differential gear case and pinion shaft pin holes.
  2. Tap the roll pin in using a pin punch.

Ring Gear Assembly Note

CAUTIONThe gear case and ring gear could be damaged if the ring gear is installed with old thread-locking compound remaining on the bolt threads. Before installing the ring gear, completely remove the old thread-locking compound from the bolt threads.

Scheme 42

Scheme 42
  1. Apply a small amount of thread-locking compound to each of points A on the back of the ring gear, and bolt thread areas B (around the entire ring). Application thickness Back of ring gear points A: Approx. 0.4 cm 3 {0.4 cc, 0.024 cu in} (1 location approx. 0.04 cm 3 {0.04 cc, 0.0024 cu in}) Ring gear bolt thread points B: Approx. 0.4 cm 3 {0.4 cc, 0.024 cu in} (1 location approx. 0.04 cm 3 {0.04 cc, 0.0024 cu in})
  2. Install the ring gear to the differential gear case and tighten the bolts in a criss-cross pattern. Tightening torque 68.6-83.3 N.m {7.00-8.49 kgf.m, 50.6-61.4 ft.lbf}

Side Bearing Assembly Note

Note. When assembling the side bearings, do not mix the left and right side bearings that were identified during disassembly.

Scheme 43

Scheme 43: Side Bearing Assembly Note
  1. Press the side bearing in using the SST and a press.

Scheme 44

Scheme 44: Oil Seal (Side Gear) Assembly Note
  1. Apply differential oil to the lip of a new oil seal.
  2. Assemble the oil seal using the SSTs .

Scheme 45

Scheme 45: Rear Bearing Outer Race Assembly Note
  1. Press the rear bearing outer race into the differential carrier using the SST and a press.

Scheme 46

Scheme 46: Front Bearing Outer Race Assembly Note
  1. Press the front bearing outer race into the differential carrier using the SST and a press.

Rear Bearing Assembly Note

Note. Install the spacer with the chamfer on the gear side.

Scheme 47

Scheme 47: Rear Bearing Assembly Note
  1. Assemble the spacer selected in the pinion height adjustment to the drive pinion.
  2. Press the drive pinion into the rear bearing using the SSTs and a press.