wheel bolts MAZDA MIATA 1991 Factory User Guide

Removal (Front - B2600i & MPV 4WD)
1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove engine skid plate. Drain differential. On MPV 4WD, remove tie rod
end and lower arm. Remove front axle shafts. See AXLE SHAFTS
- FRONT article. Mark drive shaft
position, and remove drive shaft.
2. On B2600i, remove differential subframe mounting bolts and nuts. Remove differential, Remote Free
Wheel (RFW) and subframe assembly from vehicle. Remove RFW assembly from right side of
differential housing. Pull drive coupler from carrier. Remove differential carrier retaining bolts. Remove
differential carrier.
3. On MPV 4WD, remove differential housing mounting bolts and mount at end of Remote Free Wheel
(RFW) extension housing. Remove differential and extension housing from vehicle. Remove RFW
assembly from right side of differential housing. Pull drive coupler from carrier. Remove differential
carrier retaining bolts. Remove differential carrier.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. See Fig. 2 or Fig. 3 . Apply Sealant (8527 77 739 ) to carrier mating
flange. Align marks made during removal. Refill differential with lubricant. Tighten all fasteners to
specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1990-91 DRIVE AXLES Differentials & Drive Axles - 929, B2200, B2600i, MX-5 Miata, MPV, Protege & RX-7
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:17:01 PMPage 5 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

1991 TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (B2200 & B2600i)
1990 TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (MIATA)
Splash Shield23-34 (31-46)
Rear Drive Axle
Axle Bearing Lock Nut145-217 (197-294)
Backing Plate Bolt
2WD72-87 (98-118)
4WD65-80 (88-109)
Drive Shaft Companion Flange20-22 (27-30)
Wheel Lug Nuts
Standard Wheel65-87 (88-118)
Styled Wheel87-108 (118-146)
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Brake Pipe Union10-16 (14-22)
Differential Carrier-To-Housing Nuts17-20 (23-27)
Differential Carrier Bearings Cap Bolts
"P" Series Differential41-59 (56-80)
"M" Series Differential27-38 (37-52)
Differential Carrier Bearings Lock Plate Bolt13-19 (18-26)
Drive Pinion Lock Nut94-210 (127-284)
Drive Shaft Companion Flange Nuts20-22 (27-30)
Filler Plug29-40 (39-54)
Front Subframe Mounting Bolts69-85 (94-115)
Rear Axle Bearing Lock Nut145-217 (197-294)
Rear Backing Plate Bolt
2WD72-87 (98-118)
4WD65-80 (88-109)
Ring Gear Retaining Bolts51-61 (69-83)
Splash Shield Bolts23-34 (31-46)
Wheel Lug Nuts
Standard Wheel65-87 (88-118)
Styled Wheel87-108 (118-146)
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Differential Assembly
Differential Carrier-to-Housing17-20 (23-27)
Differential Carrier Bearings Cap Bolts50-66 (68-90)
Differential Carrier Bearings Lock Tab14-19 (19-26)
Differential Case Rear Mounts
Drive Pinion Lock Nut87-130 (118-176)

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1990-91 DRIVE AXLES Differentials & Drive Axles - 929, B2200, B2600i, MX-5 Miata, MPV, Protege & RX-7
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:17:01 PMPage 22 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

1991 TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (MIATA)
1990 TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (MPV 4WD)
Inner Nut61-72 (83-98)
Outer Nuts (2)13-20 (18-26)
Filler Plug29-40 (39-54)
Ring Gear Retaining Bolts51-61 (69-83)
Power Plant Frame-to-Differential Mounting
Spacer Bolt (Short)27-38 (37-52)
PPF-to-Differential Side Mounting Bolts (Long)77-91 (104-123)
PPF-to-PPF Bracket Bolt27-40 (37-54)
Power Plant Frame-to-Transmission
Side Mounting Bolts (Long)77-91 (104-123)
Transmission-to-PPF Bracket Bolts27-40 (37-54)
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Differential Carrier-To-Housing Nuts17-20 (23-27)
Differential Carrier Bearings Cap Bolts27-38 (37-52)
Differential Carrier Bearings Lock Plate Bolt13-19 (18-26)
Differential Case Rear Mount Nuts54-69 (73-94)
Drive Pinion Lock Nut87-130 (118-176)
Inner Nut61-72 (83-98)
Outer Nuts (2)13-20 (18-26)
Drive Shaft Companion Flange Nuts20-22 (27-30)
Filler Plug29-40 (39-54)
Ring Gear Retaining Bolts51-61 (69-83)
Power Plant Frame-To-Differential Mounting
Spacer Bolt (Short)27-38 (37-52)
PPF-To-Differential Bolts
Side Mounting Bolts (Long)77-91 (104-123)
PPF-To-PPF Bracket Bolt27-40 (37-54)
Power Plant Frame-To-Transmission
Side Mounting Bolts (Long)77-91 (104-123)
Transmission-To-PPF Bracket Bolts27-40 (37-54)
Wheel Lug Nuts65-87 (88-118)
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Brake Pipe Union10-16 (14-22)
Differential Assemblies
Differential Carrier Bearings Cap Bolts
Front Differential27-38 (37-52)
Rear Differential54-79 (73-107)

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1990-91 DRIVE AXLES Differentials & Drive Axles - 929, B2200, B2600i, MX-5 Miata, MPV, Protege & RX-7
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:17:01 PMPage 23 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

1991 TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (MPV)
1990 TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (PROTEGE 4WD)
Differential Carrier Bearings Lock Tab13-19 (18-26)
Differential Carrier-to-Housing17-20 (23-27)
Drive Pinion Lock Nut94-210 (127-285)
Filler Plug29-40 (39-54)
Ring Gear Retaining Bolts51-61 (69-83)
Front Axle Components
Differential-to-Chassis Mounts49-72 (66-98)
Drive Shaft Companion Flange36-43 (49-58)
Extension Housing-to-Differential Housing27-40 (36-54)
Lower Ball Joint-to-"A" Frame75-101 (102-137)
Splash Shield12-17 (16-23)
Rear Axle Components
Axle Bearing Retainer Nuts72-87 (98-118)
Brake Drum Retaining Screws10-11 (14-15)
Drive Shaft Companion Flange36-43 (49-58)
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Brake Pipe Union10-16 (14-22)
Differential-To-Chassis Mount Nuts (4WD)49-72 (66-98)
Differential Carrier Bearings Cap Bolts
Front Differential27-38 (37-52)
Rear Differential54-79 (73-107)
Differential Carrier Bearings Lock Plate Bolt13-19 (18-26)
Differential Carrier-To-Housing Nuts17-20 (23-27)
Drive Pinion Lock Nut94-210 (127-285)
Drive Shaft Companion Flange Nuts36-43 (49-58)
Filler Plug29-40 (39-54)
Lower Ball Joint-To-Control Arm Bolts (4WD)75-101 (102-137)
Lower Ball Joint-To-Control Arm Nut (4WD)94-127 (128-172)
Rear Axle Bearing Retainer Nuts72-87 (98-118)
Rear Brake Drum Retaining Screws7-11 (10-15)
RFW Extension Housing Mount Nut (4WD)149-72 (66-98)
Ring Gear Retaining Bolts51-61 (69-83)
Splash Shield Bolts (4WD)12-17 (16-23)
Tie Rod End Nut (4WD)43-58 (59-78)
Wheel Lug Nuts65-87 (88-118)
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Differential Assembly

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1990-91 DRIVE AXLES Differentials & Drive Axles - 929, B2200, B2600i, MX-5 Miata, MPV, Protege & RX-7
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:17:01 PMPage 24 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

1991 TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (PROTEGE 4WD)
1990-91 TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (RX7)
Differential Carrier Bearing Cap Bolts27-38 (37-52)
Differential Carrier Bearing Lock Tab14-19 (19-26)
Differential Carrier-to-Housing17-20 (23-27)
Differential Case
Front Mounts33-50 (45-68)
Rear Mounts80-97 (109-132)
Drive Pinion Lock Nut87-130 (118-176)
Filler Plug29-40 (39-54)
Ring Gear Retaining Bolts51-61 (69-83)
Suspension & Mounts
Drive Axle Inner CV Joint Nut40-47 (54-64)
Drive Shaft Companion Flange20-22 (27-30)
Front Mount33-50 (45-68)
Lateral Link46-55 (62-75)
Rear Mount80-97 (109-132)
Stabilizer Bar10-13 (14-18)
Trailing Link69-86 (94-117)
Wheel Lug Nuts65-87 (88-118)
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Differential Carrier Bearing Cap Bolts27-38 (37-52)
Differential Carrier Bearing Lock Plate Bolt13-19 (18-26)
Differential Carrier-To-Housing Nuts17-20 (23-27)
Differential Case
Front Mounts39-47 (53-63)
Rear Mounts68-86 (93-116)
Drive Axle Inner CV Joint Nut40-47 (54-64)
Drive Pinion Lock Nut87-130 (118-176)
Drive Shaft Companion Flange Nuts20-22 (27-30)
Filler Plug29-40 (39-54)
Lateral Link Bolts46-55 (62-75)
Ring Gear Retaining Bolts51-61 (69-83)
Stabilizer Bar Bolts31-43 (43-58)
Trailing Link Bolts68-93 (93-126)
Wheel Lug Nuts65-87 (88-118)
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Differential Carrier-to-Housing17-20 (23-27)
Differential Carrier

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1990-91 DRIVE AXLES Differentials & Drive Axles - 929, B2200, B2600i, MX-5 Miata, MPV, Protege & RX-7
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:17:01 PMPage 25 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

1990-91 TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (929)
Bearing Cap Bolts (1) 54-79 (73-107)
Differential Carrier Bearing Cap Bolts (2) 50-66 (73-107)
Differential Carrier Bearing Lock Tab13-19 (18-26)
Differential Case Front Hanger Nut65-77 (88-104)
Differential Case Rear Mounts54-69 (73-94)
Differential Ring Gear Bolts51-61 (69-83)
Drive Axle Inner CV Joint Nut40-47 (54-64)
Drive Pinion Lock Nut94-210 (127-285)
Drive Shaft Companion Flange36-43 (49-58)
Filler Plug29-40 (39-54)
Ring Gear Retaining Bolts51-61 (69-83)
Support Strut Mounting Bolt54-69 (73-94)
Wheel Lug Nuts65-87 (88-118)
(1)1990 Model.
(2)1991 Model.
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
ABS Sensor-to-Hub Support Bolt12-17 (16-23)
Differential Carrier Bearing
Cap Bolts50-66 (68-90)
Lock Tabs13-18 (18-24)
Differential Carrier-to-Housing17-20 (23-27)
Differential Case
Front Hanger Nut69-86 (94-117)
Rear Mounts69-86 (94-117)
Drive Axle Inner CV Joint Nut40-47 (54-64)
Drive Pinion Lock Nut94-130 (127-176)
Drive Shaft Companion Flange Bolts36-43 (49-58)
Filler Plug29-40 (39-54)
Ring Gear Retaining Bolts51-61 (69-83)
Wheel Lug Nuts65-87 (88-118)

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1990-91 DRIVE AXLES Differentials & Drive Axles - 929, B2200, B2600i, MX-5 Miata, MPV, Protege & RX-7
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:17:01 PMPage 26 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove axle lock nut. Remove cotter pin, and
disconnect tie rod from steering knuckle. Remove and wire aside brake caliper.
2. Separate lower control arm from ball joint. Remove bolt attaching ball joint to steering knuckle. Remove
bolts retaining steering knuckle to strut assembly. Separate hub and knuckle from drive shaft. Remove
wheel hub and rotor from knuckle. Remove bearings and oil seals.
Removal (MX-6 & 626)
1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Disconnect tie rod end from steering knuckle.
Disconnect stabilizer bar from lower control arm. Remove axle lock nut.
2. Disconnect brake line from strut assembly. Remove and wire aside brake caliper. Remove wheel speed
sensor. Remove bolt attaching ball joint to steering knuckle. Remove bolts attaching steering knuckle to
strut assembly. Remove steering knuckle.
3. Remove wheel hub from knuckle using Puller Set (49-G033-1A1). Remove snap ring. Remove wheel
bearing from steering knuckle using Remover (49-G033-106).
Removal (Protege, 323 & 929)
1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove axle lock nut. Remove cotter pin, and
disconnect tie rod from steering knuckle. Remove and wire aside brake caliper. Separate lower control
arm from ball joint. Remove bolts retaining steering knuckle to strut assembly.
2. On Protege and 323, separate hub and knuckle from drive shaft. Remove wheel hub and rotor from
knuckle. Place alignment marks on rotor and wheel hub. Separate and remove dust cover. Remove
bearings, oil seals, bearing outer races and spacer.
3. On 929, remove hub and rotor. Remove grease seal, sensor ring and circlip. Press bearing from hub
assembly. DO NOT reuse old bearing once pressed from hub.
Removal (RX7)
Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove and wire aside brake caliper. Remove grease cap,
cotter pin, nut lock and spindle nut. Remove washer and outer wheel bearing. Remove hub and rotor assembly.
Remove wheel speed sensor ring. Remove inner oil seal and wheel bearing.
Inspection (All Models)
Wash all disassembled parts before inspection. Check for damage, excessive wear and signs of bearing seizure.
Inspect steering knuckle and hub for cracks, scoring and rust. Check for damaged dust cover and poor fit with
steering knuckle.
Installation (All Models)
To install, reverse removal procedure. Adjust wheel bearing preload. See WHEEL BEARING under
ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION
. NOTE: If bearings need to be replaced on RX7, also replace hub.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
SUSPENSION - FRONT 1990-91 SUSPENSION Front
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Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:08:54 PMPage 7 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

LOWER CONTROL ARM
Removal
Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove engine splash shield (if equipped). Remove
stabilizer bar from lower control arm. Remove strut rod (if equipped). Remove ball joint clamp bolt or pivot
nut, and separate ball joint from steering knuckle. Remove lower control arm pivot bolts. Remove lower control
arm.
Inspection
Check lower control arm for damage or cracks. Check bushings for deterioration and excessive wear. Check
ball joint for excessive wear. Examine dust boot for damage. Replace parts as necessary.
Bushing Replacement (Miata)
Cut or press old bushing from control arm. Coat new bushing with paraffin-based oil. Press new bushing into
control arm. To install, reverse removal procedure.
Bushing Replacement (MPV 4WD)
Cut away bushing inner collar. Using a vise and Remover/Installer (49-G033-102 and 49-FO27-009), push out
front bushing. Press out rear bushing using a press and Remover/Installer (49-U034-202 and 49-GO26-103). To
install front bushing, apply soapy water to bushing and use remover/installer to press in. To install rear bushing,
align arrows on bushing with marks on lower arm and use remover/installer to press in.
Bushing Replacement (MX-6 & 626)
Cut away bushing inner collar. Using a vise and Remover/Installer (49-GO34-2A0), push out bushing. To
install, apply soapy water to bushing and use remover/installer to press in. Always install bushing from outer
side of arm. Press in bushing until collar contacts arm.
Bushing Replacement (Protege & 323)
Using a vise and Remover/Installer Set (49-BO34-2A0), push out bushing. To install, apply soapy water to
bushing and use remover/installer to press in. Always install bushing from outer side of arm. Press in bushing
until collar contacts arm.
Bushing Replacement (929)
Cut away bushing outer collar. Using a vise and Remover/Installer (49-HO34-202 and 49-HO34-201), remove
bushing from control arm. To install, reverse removal procedure.
Bushing Replacement (RX7)
NOTE: Lower control arm bushings are not replaceable on MPV 2WD models. Replace
control arm assembly if bushings are worn or damaged.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
SUSPENSION - FRONT 1990-91 SUSPENSION Front
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:08:54 PMPage 8 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Push out front bushing using a press and Remover (49-G030-627A). To remove rear bushing, install Bearing
Puller (49-0710-520) on bushing. DO NOT overtighten bearing puller nuts or lower arm will be distorted and
damaged. Press to push out rear bushing using Remover (49-G030-627A). To install both bushings, use
remover and Support Block (49-0823-146).
Installation (All Models)
To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten lower control arm pivot bolts to specification with vehicle
resting on ground and suspension unloaded. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
.
UPPER CONTROL ARM
Removal (Miata)
Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove engine splash shield. Remove ball joint pivot nut.
Use Puller (49-0118-850C) to separate ball joint from steering knuckle. Remove upper control arm pivot bolts.
Remove upper control arm.
Inspection
Check upper control arm for damage or cracks. Check bushings for deterioration and excessive wear. Check
ball joint for excessive wear. Examine dust boot for damage. Replace parts as necessary.
Bushing Replacement
Using a chisel, remove old bushing from control arm. Coat new bushing with grease. Press new bushing into
control arm.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten upper control arm pivot bolts to specification with vehicle
resting on ground and suspension unloaded.
SHOCK ABSORBER
Removal (Miata)
Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove engine splash shield. Remove stabilizer link bolt.
Separate upper ball joint from steering knuckle. Loosen lower control arm pivot bolts. Remove shock absorber
upper mount nuts and lower bolt. Move lower control arm just enough to remove shock absorber. Be careful not
to damage brake line.
Disassembly
Clamp upper mount in vise. Loosen lock nut 2 turns only. Compress coil spring using coil spring compressor.
Remove lock nut and remainin
g components. Slowly release compressor tension.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
SUSPENSION - FRONT 1990-91 SUSPENSION Front
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:08:54 PMPage 9 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Inspection
Check for damage, oil leakage and abnormal noise. Check rubber parts for deterioration or damage. Inspect coil
spring for signs of fatigue or damage. Replace parts as needed.
Reassembly
Clamp shock absorber in vise. Install coil spring and components in reverse order of disassembly. Ensure coil
spring is well seated in upper and lower spring seats.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Final tighten all bolts with vehicle resting on ground and suspension
unloaded. See appropriate See SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in the WHEEL ALIGNMENT
section for checks and adjustments.
STRUT ASSEMBLY
Removal
1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Disconnect brake line from strut assembly. Remove
bolts attaching steering knuckle arm to strut assembly.
2. Disconnect harness connector from actuator (if equipped). Remove bolts, actuator and actuator mounting
bracket from upper mounting block. Remove nuts attaching upper strut assembly to body panel. Remove
strut assembly.
Disassembly
Clamp strut in vise. Compress coil spring using coil spring compressor. Remove piston lock nut. Slowly release
compressor tension. Remove components. Remove coil spring. Remove strut from vise.
Inspection
Check strut tube for cracks, damage, oil leakage and abnormal noise. Check rubber parts for deterioration or
damage. Inspect coil spring for signs of fatigue or damage. Check actuator control rod of strut assembly for
smooth rotation (if equipped). Replace parts as needed.
Reassembly
Clamp strut in vise. Install coil spring and components in reverse order of disassembly. Ensure that coil spring
is well seated in upper and lower spring seats. On MX-6 and 626, ensure upper spring seat positioning hole
faces inside of vehicle. NOTE: Prior to removing strut-to-steering knuckle bolts, make an alignment mark for
reassembly reference. Note position of mounting mark on top of strut assembly
before removing strut.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
SUSPENSION - FRONT 1990-91 SUSPENSION Front
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:08:54 PMPage 10 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.