MAZDA MIATA 1991 Factory Service Manual

Fig. 4: Installing Axle Shaft Lock Nut
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
OVERHAUL
AXLE SHAFTS
Disassembly
1. Place axle shaft assembly in soft-jawed vise. Keep axle shaft assembly clean during disassembly and
reassembly. To remove boot bands, pry up locking clip by using a screwdriver, then raise end of band.
See Fig. 5
.
NOTE: Before disassembling axle shaft, verify that joint moves smoothly. If a problem
is found, repair parts or replace axle shaft.
NOTE: DO NOT wash joint unless it is being disassembled.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1990-93 DRIVE AXLES Axle Shafts - MX-5 Miata
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Fig. 5: Removing Boot Band
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
2. Mark axle shaft and outer ring with paint as shown. See Fig. 6
. Using a screwdriver, remove clip. Mark
axle shaft end and inner ring with paint as show. See Fig. 7
. Remove snap ring by using snap ring pliers.
See Fig. 8
.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1990-93 DRIVE AXLES Axle Shafts - MX-5 Miata
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Fig. 6: Identifying Outer Ring-To-Axle Shaft Marks
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1990-93 DRIVE AXLES Axle Shafts - MX-5 Miata
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:16:33 PMPage 7 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Fig. 7: Removing Snap Ring
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1990-93 DRIVE AXLES Axle Shafts - MX-5 Miata
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Fig. 8: Exploded View Of Axle Shaft Assembly
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
3. Insert a screwdriver between inner ring and cage to remove balls. See Fig. 9
. Mark inner ring and cage
with paint.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1990-93 DRIVE AXLES Axle Shafts - MX-5 Miata
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Fig. 9: Removing Balls From Inner Ring
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
4. Turn cage approximately 30 degrees and pull it away from inner ring. See Fig. 10
. Wrap shaft splines
with tape and remove boot. See Fig. 11
.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1990-93 DRIVE AXLES Axle Shafts - MX-5 Miata
Microsoft
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Fig. 10: Separating Inner Ring From Cage
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1990-93 DRIVE AXLES Axle Shafts - MX-5 Miata
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Fig. 11: Removing CV Joint Boot
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Reassembly
1. To reassemble, reverse disassembly procedure. Wrap tape around drive axle shaft ends before sliding CV
joint boots onto drive axle shaft. See Fig. 13
.
2. Align marks on cage and inner ring. Install balls to inner ring. Install cage, inner ring and ball assembly to
axle shaft in direction shown. See Fig. 14
. Larger diameter of cage should be facing snap ring groove.
CAUTION: When reassembling axle shaft, ensure to install cage with larger diameter
facing snap ring groove. If incorrectly installed, axle shaft may become
disengaged.
NOTE: Inner and outer CV joint boots differ in design and/or diameter. Ensure correct
boot is installed at proper end when reassembling axle shaft. See Fig. 12
. See
REAR AXLE SHAFT BOOT IDENTIFICATION
.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1990-93 DRIVE AXLES Axle Shafts - MX-5 Miata
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Fig. 12: Measuring Axle Shaft & Identifying Boots
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Fig. 13: Installing CV Joint Boot

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1990-93 DRIVE AXLES Axle Shafts - MX-5 Miata
Microsoft
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Fig. 14: Installing Balls In To Inner Ring
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
3. Install a NEW snap ring in axle shaft snap ring groove. Apply specified amount of grease to joints and
boots. See LUBRICATION SPECIFICATION
table. Aling marks and install NEW clip.
LUBRICATION SPECIFICATION
4. Ensure that boots are not dented or twisted. Set axle shaft to standard length. See AXLE SHAFT
LENGTH table. Release any trapped air from boots by carefully lifting up small end of each boot with a
cloth-wrapped screwdriver. See Fig. 15
. Ensure that axle shaft length is within standard. If drive shaft
length is not within standard, repeat this step.
ApplicationQuantity
Wheel Side CV Joint Boot1.9-2.7 oz. (55-75 g)
Differential Side CV Joint Boot2.7-3.4 oz. (75-95 g)

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1990-93 DRIVE AXLES Axle Shafts - MX-5 Miata
Microsoft
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