Port MAZDA MIATA 1991 Factory Service Manual

ADJUSTMENTS
CLOCKSPRING CENTERING
Set front wheels in straight-ahead position. Turn clockspring connector clockwise until it stops (do not force).
Return connector 2 3/4 turns counterclockwise. Rotate clockspring connector further, if necessary, to align
marks on connector and outer housing.
DISPOSAL PROCEDURES
DEPLOYED AIR BAG
Dispose deployed air bag module as you would any other part. Wear gloves and safety glasses when handling
air bag module.
SCRAPPED VEHICLE
1. Ensure vehicle is outside, and away from other vehicles and people. Open convertible top and doors.
Disconnect negative battery cable.
2. Ensure air bag module is firmly mounted to steering wheel. Remove knee protector and disconnect
Orange and Blue clockspring connectors at base of steering column. See Fig. 1
. Cut clockspring
connector Blue wires.
3. Connect 2 jumper wires (20 feet long) to cut clockspring wires. Connect other ends of wires to a 12-volt
battery to deploy air bag. Because of heat, wait 10 MINUTES before touching deployed air bag.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
CRASH SENSORS NOTE: Perform the following procedures when scrapping a vehicle with undeployed air
bag.
WARNING:Follow air bag service precautions to prevent accidentalair bag
deployment and personal injury. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS.
NOTE: After component replacement, check system to ensure proper operation. See
SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK.
NOTE: Crash sensor orientation and mounting is important for proper operation. All
sensors must be positioned so that arrow points forward. If there is sheet metal
damage near sensor mounting point, inspect body structure at sensor
mounting point for deformation. If damaged, restore to original shape. Ensure
sensor mounting bolts or nuts are tightened to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS table.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAZDA 1990-91 AIR BAGS
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Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
ADJUSTMENTS
PEDAL FREE PLAY
Depress pedal several times to release vacuum. Pedal free play should be .16-.28" (4-7 mm).
PEDAL HEIGHT & STOPLIGHT SWITCH
1. Released pedal height is measured from carpet surface on vertical portion of firewall to pedal pad center.
Disconnect stoplight switch. Move switch away from pedal. Adjust brake pedal push rod until correct
released pedal height is obtained. See BRAKE PEDAL HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS TABLE.
2. Adjust pedal free play. See PEDAL FREE PLAY under ADJUSTMENTS. Tighten push rod lock nut.
Rotate stoplight switch until it contacts pedal, then rotate an additional 1/2 turn. Tighten stoplight switch
lock nut. Reconnect stoplight switch.
3. The applied pedal height is measured from angled portion of firewall (without carpet) to pedal pad center.
Start engine. Depress brake pedal with 132-lb. (60 kg) pressure.
4. Measure the applied pedal height. If distance is not as specified, check brake adjustment, or check for air
in system. See BRAKE PEDAL HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS TABLE.
BRAKE PEDAL HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Application(1) In. (mm)
Pedal Released
Miata & 9296.7-7.1 (171-181)
RX77.2-7.4 (184-189)
Pedal Applied
Miata & 9293.7 (95)
RX73.9 (100)
(1)Minimum height.
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Brake Caliper Mounting Bolts
Miata36-51 (49-69)
RX7
Front58-72 (79-98)
Rear33-40 (45-54)
929
Front61-69 (83-94)

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM 1988-91 BRAKES Mazda Anti-Lock Brake System
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1990-93 DRIVE AXLES
Axle Shafts - MX-5 Miata
DESCRIPTION
The axle shaft is a double offset, constant velocity joint type.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
Check dust boot on axle shaft for cracks, damage, leaking grease, and loose boot bands. Check axle shaft for
bending, cracks, and wear of joints or splines. Repair or replace axle shaft if necessary.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
AXLE SHAFTS
Removal
1. Raise vehicle and support with safety stands. Remove wheel and tire assembly. See Fig. 1 . Loosen axle
shaft lock nut until flush with end of axle shaft. Mark differential and axle shaft flanges for installation
reference. See Fig. 2
. Remove axle shaft flange nuts. NOTE: See TROUBLE SHOOTING
- BASIC PROCEDURES article in GENERAL
INFORMATION.
NOTE: Manufacturer recommends using new axle shaft lock nut during
installation.

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

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1990-93 DRIVE AXLES Axle Shafts - MX-5 Miata
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1. Raise and support rear of vehicle. Ensure parking brake is released. Remove plugs from rear of backing
plate (one below wheel cylinder, other near outer diameter of backing plate). Insert a screwdriver through
hole below wheel cylinder. Rotate star wheel adjuster in direction of arrow stamped on backing plate until
wheel locks.
2. Insert a drift through other hole in backing plate. Push pawl back from adjuster and back off adjuster 6-7
notches. Ensure wheel rotates freely. Perform same procedure on both sides. Adjust parking brake.
B2600i 4WD & MPV
1. Raise and support rear of vehicle. Ensure parking brake is released. Remove plugs from rear of backing
plate. Insert a screwdriver through hole for star wheel. Rotate adjuster in direction of arrow stamped on
backing plate until wheel locks.
2. Insert a drift through other hole in backing plate. Push pawl back from adjuster and back off adjuster 8-10
notches (13-15 notches on MPV). Ensure wheel rotates freely. Perform same procedure on both sides.
Adjust parking brake.
MX-6, Protege, 323 & 626
1. Raise and support rear of vehicle. Remove wheel. Release parking brake. Remove lock nut from axle
shaft. Remove brake drum. Insert screwdriver between adjusting plate and quadrant. Twist screwdriver to
disen
gage teeth. See Fig. 2 or Fig. 3 .

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
BRAKE SYSTEM 1991 BRAKES Mazda Brake System
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Fig. 3: Moving Quadrant on Rear Brake Adj. (Typical Protege & 323)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
2. Push adjusting lever toward backing plate. Install brake drum. Install new lock nut, and secure by
crimping. Operate parking brake a few times to reset adjuster. Adjust parking brake.
Navajo
1. Raise and support rear of vehicle. If drums are installed on vehicle, remove cover from adjusting hole at
bottom of brake backing plate. Turn adjusting screw with a brake adjusting tool until shoes drag against
brake drum and lock drum.
2. When shoes are against drum, loosen adjusting screw an additional 10-12 notches so drum rotates freely.
If drum does not rotate freely, remove wheel and drum and vacuum dust and dirt from linings. Use
sandpaper and remove rust from points where shoes touch backing plate. Apply a light coating of
molybdenum grease to brake shoe-to-backing plate contact points. Install wheel and drum and adjust
shoes.
3. To adjust brakes with rear drums removed, first clean all rust and dirt on points where shoes touch
backing plate and apply a small amount of molybdenum grease to those areas. Use a brake shoe
adjustment gauge and adjust brakes to inside diameter of drum braking surface.
4. Reverse tool and adjust brake shoes until they touch gauge. Gauge contact points on shoes must be
parallel to vehicle with center line throu
gh center of axle. Hold automatic adjusting lever out of

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
BRAKE SYSTEM 1991 BRAKES Mazda Brake System
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engagement while rotating adjusting screw to prevent burring screw slots. Ensure adjusting screw rotates
freely.
PARKING BRAKE
B2200 & B2600i
1. Depress brake pedal several times while vehicle is moving in Reverse. Ensure brakes are properly
adjusted. Pull parking brake lever with a force of 44 lbs. (20 kg). If stroke is 7-12 notches, parking brake
is properly adjusted.
2. If stroke is not 7-12 notches, raise and support rear of vehicle. Release parking brake lever. Loosen cable
lock nut at lever end of cable. Rotate adjusting nut until correct stroke is obtained. Operate parking brake
several times and ensure rear wheels rotate freely. Ensure parking brake warning light illuminates when
brake lever is pulled one notch.
Navajo
1. Adjust service brakes before adjusting parking brake cable. Ensure brake drums are cold. Apply parking
brake to fully depressed position. Grip threaded rod to prevent it from spinning.
2. Thread equalizer nut 6 full turns past its original position on threaded rod. See Fig. 4
. Check cable
tension at rear of equalizer assembly using Cable Tension Gauge (021-00018). If tension is not 400-600
lbs. (182-272 k
g), repeat step 2).

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
BRAKE SYSTEM 1991 BRAKES Mazda Brake System
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2. Release parking brake lever. Using a screwdriver, reach through parking brake handle hole in console and
rotate adjusting screw until stroke is 6-8 notches. Ensure rear wheels rotate freely. Ensure parking brake
warning light illuminates when brake lever is pulled one notch.
Miata, MX-6, MPV, Protege, RX7, 323, 626
1. On models with rear disc brakes, depress brake pedal several times. On models with rear drum brakes,
start engine and depress brake pedal several times while vehicle is moving in Reverse. Stop engine.
2. On all models, pull parking brake lever with a force of 22 lbs. (10 kg). If stroke is 5-7 notches, parking
brake is properly adjusted. If stroke is not 5-7 notches, raise and support rear of vehicle. Release parking
brake lever.
3. Rotate cable adjusting nut at lever end of cable (under console cover) until stroke is within specification.
On models equipped with rear disc brakes, ensure clearance between stopper and lever (at each caliper) is
not less than .08" (2 mm) on RX7, or zero on all other models. On all models, ensure parking brake
warning light illuminates when brake lever is pulled one notch.
PARKING BRAKE SHOES
929
Raise and support vehicle. Remove rear wheels. Remove service plug from rotor. Using a screwdriver, rotate
star wheel adjuster toward axle until rotor locks. Rotate adjuster in opposite direction 3-5 notches. Ensure rotors
turn freely and parking brake functions properly. Install service plug and rear wheels.
PEDAL FREE PLAY
Depress pedal a few times to eliminate vacuum. Pedal free play should be .16-.28" (4-7 mm). Adjust play by
loosening push rod lock nut. Turn push rod until correct free play is obtained. Tighten push rod lock nut.
PEDAL HEIGHT & STOPLIGHT SWITCH
1. Released pedal height is measured from carpet surface on vertical portion of firewall to pedal pad center.
Disconnect stoplight switch electrical connector. Loosen lock nut on stoplight switch. Move switch away
from pedal. Loosen push rod lock nut. Turn rod until correct pedal height is obtained. See BRAKE
PEDAL HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS .
2. Adjust pedal free play. See PEDAL FREE PLAY
under ADJUSTMENTS. Tighten push rod lock nut.
Rotate stoplight switch until it contacts pedal and then rotate an additional 1/2 turn. Tighten stoplight
switch lock nut. Reconnect stoplight switch electrical connector.
3. Applied pedal height is measured from angled portion of firewall (without carpet) to pedal pad center.
Start engine. On B2200, B2600i and MPV, depress brake pedal with 33 lbs. (15 kg) pressure. On all other
models, depress brake pedal with 132 lbs. (60 k
g) pressure. tension should be checked and adjusted.
NOTE: Pedal height and stoplight switch information is not available for Navajo.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
BRAKE SYSTEM 1991 BRAKES Mazda Brake System
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4. On all models, measure applied pedal height. If distance is not as specified, check brake adjustment or
system for air. See BRAKE PEDAL HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS TABLE.
BRAKE PEDAL HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS
TESTING
POWER BRAKE UNIT
1. With engine off, depress brake pedal several times. Press and hold brake pedal and start engine. If brake
pedal moves down slightly immediately after engine starts, power brake unit is operating. If brake pedal
does not move as specified, go to next step.
2. Run engine for 1-2 minutes. Stop engine. Press brake pedal several times and note if first pedal stroke is
longer than subsequent strokes. If first pedal stroke is longer than subsequent strokes, power brake unit is
operating. If length of strokes is equal, test check valve and vacuum hose between vacuum source and
power brake unit. Repair as necessary, and go to next step.
3. Start engine. Press and hold brake pedal. Stop engine. Hold pedal down for about 30 seconds. If pedal
height remains at same height, power brake unit is operating. If pedal height recedes, test check valve and
vacuum hose between vacuum source and power brake unit. Repair as necessary.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
FRONT DISC BRAKE PADS
Removal & Installation (Protege & 323)
Raise and support front of vehicle. Remove wheels. Remove spring "A". See Fig. 5 . Remove spring "B".
Remove pad pins. Remove pads, shims and anti-squeak shim. Replace pad if lining thickness is less than
specified. See MINIMUM PAD LINING SPECIFICATIONS (FRONT) TABLE. To install, reverse removal
ApplicationIn. (mm)
Pedal Released
B2200 & B2600i7.1-7.3 (180-185)
Miata, MX-6, 626 & 9296.7-7.1 (171-181)
MPV7.5-7.9 (191-201)
Protege & 3237.6-7.7 (193-196)
RX77.2-7.4 (184-189)
Pedal Applied (1)
B2200 & B2600i4.1 (105)
Miata, MX-6, 626 & 9293.7 (95)
MPV5.2 (133)
Protege & 3232.8 (70)
RX73.9 (100)
(1)Minimum height.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
BRAKE SYSTEM 1991 BRAKES Mazda Brake System
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procedure.
Fig. 5: Exploded View of Front Disc Brake Assembly (Protege & 323)

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Removal (Navajo)
1. To prevent master cylinder overflow when caliper piston is depressed, remove and discard some brake
fluid from master cylinder. Raise vehicle, and support using safety stands.
2. Remove front wheel assembly. Place a large "C" clamp on caliper. See Fig. 9
. Tighten clamp to bottom
piston in cylinder bore. Remove clamp.
3. Remove dirt around caliper pin tabs. Tap upper caliper pin toward inboard side of vehicle until pin tabs

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
BRAKE SYSTEM 1991 BRAKES Mazda Brake System
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touch spindle face.
4. Insert screwdriver into slot provided behind pin tabs on inboard side of pin. Using pliers, compress end of
pin while using screwdriver to pry until tabs slip into spindle groove.
5. Place a 7/16" diameter punch on end of pin, and drive caliper pin out of caliper slide groove. Repeat
procedure for lower pin. Remove caliper from rotor. Remove outer brake pad. Compress anti-rattle spring
clip, and remove inner brake pad. Support caliper aside. Replace pad if lining thickness is less than
specified. See MINIMUM PAD LINING SPECIFICATIONS (FRONT) TABLE.
Installation
Use "C" clamp to push caliper piston into piston bore until it bottoms out. To install, reverse removal procedure.
Bleed air from brake system.
Removal & Installation (RX7 With 4-Piston Caliper)
Raise and support front of vehicle. Remove wheels. Remove pad pins and pad springs. See Fig. 6 . Remove
brake pads and shims. Replace pad if lining thickness is less than specified. See MINIMUM PAD LINING
SPECIFICATIONS (FRONT) . To install, reverse removal procedure. CAUTION: During installation, DO NOT tap caliper pin too far into spindle groove. If
this happens, tap pin in other direction until tabs snap back into place.
Tabs on each end of caliper pin must be free to catch on spindle flanks.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
BRAKE SYSTEM 1991 BRAKES Mazda Brake System
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