Mazda MX-5 NA silhouetteMX-5 NA

DIFFERENTIAL

M-40prose procedure

Standard differential vs Viscous L.S.D. differential - replacement is by assembly for L.S.D.

Adjustment of backlash

  1. 1
    Check the backlash of the side gears and pinion gears. Adjust by inserting the proper thickness thrust washer at both sides. (Standard) If not within specification, replace the differential gear as an assembly. (Viscous L.S.D.)
    Standard backlash: 0—0.1mm (0—0.004 in)
    Photo showing a dial indicator being used to measure backlash between side gear and pinion gear in the differential carrier.
    05U0MX-111
  2. 2
    Install the knock pin to secure the pinion shaft. Stake the pin with a punch to prevent it from coming out of the case.
    Photo showing a punch being used to stake the knock pin in the differential case to secure the pinion shaft.
    05U0MX-112

Thrust washer thickness

0
Thickness1.95—2.00mm (0.0768—0.0787 in)
1
Thickness2.05—2.10mm (0.0807—0.0827 in)
2
Thickness2.15—2.20mm (0.0846—0.0866 in)

Adjustment of drive pinion and ring gear backlash

Adjustment of drive pinion and ring gear backlash

  1. 1
    Apply thread-locking compound to the bolt threads (A) and point (B) of the gear back face.
    Top-down view of the ring gear with two callout balloons: A pointing to a bolt hole and B pointing to the gear back face, indicating where thread-locking compound is applied.
    05U0MX-113
  2. 2
    Install the ring gear onto the gear case.
    Tightening torque: 69—83 N·m (7.0—8.5 m-kg, 51—61 ft-lb)
  3. 3
    Press the bearing inner races (side bearing) on with the SST.
    Photo showing SST 49 UB71 525 being used to press the bearing inner races (side bearing) onto the differential case.
    05U0MX-114
  4. 4
    Install the differential gear assembly in the carrier.
  5. 5
    Note the identification marks on the adjusting nuts, and install them on their respective sides.
  6. 6
    Install the differential bearing caps, making sure that the identification mark on the cap corresponds with the one on the carrier with the SST.
    Photo showing SST 49 0259 720 being used to install the differential bearing caps on the differential carrier.
    05U0MX-115

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