Differential side-bearing preload — bearing-cap pilot span (NB2 and Mazdaspeed)

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

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.