wheel torque MAZDA MIATA 1991 Factory Owner's Manual

SUSPENSION - REAR
1991 SUSPENSION Rear
DESCRIPTION
Rear suspension consists of MacPherson-type struts, crossmember, upper and lower arms and stabilizer bar with
control link. Upper and lower arms attach to crossmember and knuckle. A stabilizer bar with control link is
mounted to lower arm and crossmember. Rear wheel alignment is adjusted by turning adjusting cams on lower
arm.
ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES
See WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS AND PROCEDURES article in the WHEEL ALIGNMENT
section.
WHEEL BEARING
Raise vehicle and support. Remove wheel assembly. Remove caliper assembly and wire aside. Remove brake
rotor. Attach dial indicator to axle hub and measure bearing play. Maximum bearing play is .002" (.05 mm). If
play exceeds specification, check rear axle lock nut torque or replace wheel bearing.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
WHEEL BEARING
Removal
1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove drive axle lock nut. Remove brake caliper
assembly, and wire aside. Remove screws and rotor. Disconnect ABS speed sensor. Remove knuckle
assembly from upper and lower arms.
2. Using a press, Installer (49-G030-727) and Puller (49-F026-103), remove hub from knuckle. Remove
snap ring from knuckle. Using a press, installer and Puller (49-0636-145), remove wheel bearing inner
race from hub. Remove wheel bearing outer race from knuckle using a press and Adapter (49-F027-005).
Inspection
Check wheel hub and knuckle for cracks and damage. Check dust cover for deformation. Check bearing for
excessive wear or seizure.
Installation
Press new wheel bearing into knuckle using Installer (49-F027-007) and Adapter (49-F027-009). Press hub into
knuckle using installer. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten drive axle lock nut to specification. Stake

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
SUSPENSION - REAR 1991 SUSPENSION Rear

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
SUSPENSION - REAR 1991 SUSPENSION Rear
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Installation
Inspect stabilizer bar and components for damage, cracks and deterioration. To install, reverse removal
procedure. Ensure bushing is aligned with White line on stabilizer. Ensure seam faces front of vehicle. Tighten
nuts and bolts to specification with vehicle resting on ground and suspension unloaded.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
ABS Speed Sensor Harness Bracket Bolts12-17 (16-23)
Caliper Assembly-To-Knuckle Bolt36-51 (49-69)
Control Link-To-Lower Arm Nut27-40 (36-54)
Lower Arm-To-Crossmember Nuts54-70 (73-95)
Lower Arm-To-Knuckle Nut46-55 (63-75)
Rear Axle Nut159-217 (216-294)
Stabilizer Bar Brackets Bolts15-21 (20-28)
Stabilizer Bar-To-Control Link Bolt27-40 (36-54)
Strut Piston Rod Lock Nut23-34 (31-46)
Strut-To-Body Nuts22-27 (29-36)
Strut-To-Lower Arm Bolt54-69 (73-93)
Upper Arm-To-Crossmember Nuts34-49 (46-67)
Upper Arm-To-Knuckle Bolt34-49 (46-67)
Wheel Lug Nuts65-87 (88-118)

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
SUSPENSION - REAR 1991 SUSPENSION Rear
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STEERING COLUMN
1991 STEERING Mazda - Steering Columns
DESCRIPTION
The steering column consists of solid steering shaft with a lower joint assembly. Miata and RX7 convertible
models are equipped with Air Bag Restraint System consisting of an air bag module and clockspring connector
assembly located in the steering column.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD
Removal & Installation (B2200, B2600i, MPV & 929)
Unsnap horn pad cover. Remove steering wheel lock nut. Use a puller to remove steering wheel. To install,
reverse removal procedure.
Removal & Installation (Miata & RX7)
1. On Miata and RX7 convertible models, remove air bag module. See AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM
article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT section. For all models, remove horn cap (if
equipped).
2. Remove steering wheel nut. Remove steering wheel with steering wheel puller. To install, reverse
removal procedure. Tighten steering wheel nut and air bag nuts to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS TABLE at end of article. WARNING:Wait about 10 minutes after disabling air bag system before servicing. Air
bag system voltage is maintained for about 10 minutes after system is
disabled. Failure to wait 10 minutes before servicing system may cause
accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury.
CAUTION: DO NOT strike steering shaft with a hammer as it may collapse.
WARNING:Before servicing Miata and RX7 convertible models, disconnect and
shield battery ground. Use caution when working around steering column
as air bag could deploy.
WARNING:Wait about 10 minutes after disabling air bag system before servicing. Air
bag system voltage is maintained for about 10 minutes after system is
disabled. Failure to wait 10 minutes before servicing system may cause
accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1991 STEERING Mazda - Steering Columns

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1991 STEERING Mazda - Steering Columns
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Removal & Installation (MX-6 & 626)
Pry ornament cap from horn pad with wide-blade screwdriver. Remove steering wheel nut. Use a puller to
remove steering wheel. To install, reverse removal procedure.
Removal & Installation (Protege & 323)
Remove 2 horn pad screws from behind steering wheel. Remove horn pad. Remove steering wheel nut. Use a
puller to remove steering wheel. To install, reverse removal procedure.
COMBINATION SWITCH
Removal (Miata & RX7 Convertible)
See STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Remove steering wheel.
Remove column covers. Remove screws and remove combination switch with clockspring connector assembly.
Installation
1. Install combination switch and clockspring assembly. Before installing steering wheel, center
clockspring. To center clockspring, set front wheels straight ahead. Turn clockspring connector clockwise
until it stops. DO NOT force it.
2. Return connector 2 3/4 turns (counterclockwise). Rotate clockspring connector further (if necessary) to
align marks on connector and outer housing. See Fig. 1
.
3. Install steering wheel. Tighten steering wheel nut to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TABLE at end of article. Install air bag module. See AIR BAG article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY
EQUIPMENT section.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1991 STEERING Mazda - Steering Columns
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Removal & Installation (B2200, B2600i, Miata, Protege, RX7,
323 & 929)
1. Remove steering wheel and combination switch. See STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD and
COMBINATION SWITCH
under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. See Fig. 2 -8. Remove steering
lock assembly. See IGNITION SWITCH & STEERING LOCK
under REMOVAL &
INSTALLATION.
2. Remove lower panel and air duct (if necessary). Remove steering column-to-intermediate shaft "U" joint
bolt. Remove steering column-to-firewall nuts. Remove lower joint dust cover (if equipped). Remove
steering column upper bracket bolts. Remove steering column.
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TABLE at end of article.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1991 STEERING Mazda - Steering Columns
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Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Removal & Installation (MPV, MX-6 & 626)
1. Remove steering wheel and combination switch. See STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD and
COMBINATION SWITCH
under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Remove steering lock assembly.
See IGNITION SWITCH & STEERING LOCK
under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
2. Remove lower dash panel and A/C duct. Remove lower column cover and steering shaft-to-intermediate
shaft "U" joint bolt. On MPV with A/T, remove shift lever mechanism.
3. On all models, separate steering shaft from intermediate shaft. Remove steering column upper bracket
bolts. Remove steering column. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts to specification. See
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS TABLE
at end of article.
OVERHAUL
STEERING COLUMN
Disassembly
Remove wiring and switches. Clamp column in vise. Turn steering shaft to remove. With a hammer and chisel,
make a groove in steering lock assembly shear screws. Remove shear screws. Remove steering lock.
Inspection
Check all components for damage or wear. Check steering shaft for bends, damage or sheared plastic pins.
Check bearings for excessive play. Replace parts as necessary. Measure length of steering shaft. See Fig. 9
.
Reassembly
To reassemble, reverse disassembly procedure. Grease steering shaft, bushings and bearings. Always use NEW
shear screws.
STEERING SHAFT DIMENSIONS
(1) NOTE: Steering shaft dimension for 929 is not available from manufacturer.
ApplicationLength - In. (mm)
B2200 & B2600i32.69-32.99 (830.0-835.6)
Miata22.09-23.02 (561.1-584.7)
MPV24.05-24.17 (611.0-614.0)
MX-6 & 62624.00-24.05 (609.6-611.1)
Protege & 32323.86-23.94 (606.0-608.0)
RX732.05-32.17 (814.0-817.0)
929(2)
See Fig. 9 for measuring points.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1991 STEERING Mazda - Steering Columns
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Fig. 9: Measuring Steering Shaft Dimensions (Except 929)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Column Bracket Bolts/Nuts12-17 (16-23)
Steering Shaft "U" Joint Bolts13-20 (18-27)
Steering Wheel Nut29-36 (39-49)
INCH Lbs. (N.m)
Tilt Lever Adjusting Nut16-25 (1.8-2.8)

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STEERING COLUMN 1991 STEERING Mazda - Steering Columns
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