Showing specs for all NA & NB Miatas

Differential side-bearing preload — bearing-cap pilot span (NB1)

≈7.30031–7.30315 in (185.428–185.50 mm)185.428–185.50 mm

Factory manualTaken from a Mazda factory workshop manual, with page citation.
Procedure

Set ring-gear backlash first. Tighten or loosen the adjusting nuts equally until the distance between the pilot sections of the bearing caps is within this range, then recheck backlash and tooth contact. This measured span controls side-bearing preload; it is not cap-bolt torque or a case-spreader setting. Use the correct carrier-specific procedure; the NA6 carrier has a different dimension.

Applies to
  • NB 1999–2000 (BP-4W) — Actual 1999 factory evidence; other years in the approved family inferred with owner approval.
  • Verified in: 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata Workshop Manual