# Differential drive-pinion/ring-gear backlash — minimum (NB2 and Mazdaspeed)

Canonical URL: https://miatatorque.com/spec/differential-ring-pinion-backlash-minimum-nb2/

Applicability: NB 2001–2005 (BP-Z3) — Actual 2003, 2004 and 2005 factory evidence; 2001–2002 inferred within the owner-approved NB2 non-turbo family.; NB 2004–2005 (BP-Z3-TURBO) — Actual 2005 shared factory driveline specifications; 2004 MSM inferred with owner approval.

Confidence: fsm

0.05 mm minimum

Always confirm against your factory manual. Match every restriction and follow all stages and procedure notes. Disputed claims must not be automatically resolved. The complete record below preserves every printed unit, source claim and procedure.

```json
{
  "id": "differential-ring-pinion-backlash-minimum-nb2",
  "name": "Differential drive-pinion/ring-gear backlash — minimum (NB2 and Mazdaspeed)",
  "aliases": [],
  "applies_to": [
    {
      "gen": "NB",
      "years": [
        2001,
        2005
      ],
      "engines": [
        "BP-Z3"
      ],
      "note": "Actual 2003, 2004 and 2005 factory evidence; 2001–2002 inferred within the owner-approved NB2 non-turbo family."
    },
    {
      "gen": "NB",
      "years": [
        2004,
        2005
      ],
      "engines": [
        "BP-Z3-TURBO"
      ],
      "note": "Actual 2005 shared factory driveline specifications; 2004 MSM inferred with owner approval."
    }
  ],
  "kind": "non-torque",
  "value_text": "0.05 mm minimum",
  "procedure": {
    "notes": "Minimum listed separately in the factory technical table. The assembly setup target remains 0.09–0.11 mm; do not set backlash to the minimum when assembling the differential. Use the full factory procedure for the cross-position inspection as well."
  },
  "confidence": "fsm",
  "sources": [
    {
      "source": "fsm-2005",
      "page": "Driveline/Axle Technical Data (PDF p. 1212)",
      "as_printed": "Backlash of drive pinion and ring gear\n(mm {in})\nMinimum\n0.05 {0.0020}",
      "verified_years": [
        2005,
        2005
      ],
      "document": {
        "id": "fsm-2005",
        "tier": 1,
        "title": "2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata Workshop Manual (electronic manual capture)",
        "covers": [
          {
            "gen": "NB",
            "years": [
              2005,
              2005
            ],
            "engines": [
              "BP-Z3"
            ]
          },
          {
            "gen": "NB",
            "years": [
              2005,
              2005
            ],
            "engines": [
              "BP-Z3-TURBO"
            ],
            "trans": [
              "6MT"
            ]
          }
        ]
      }
    },
    {
      "source": "fsm-2003",
      "page": "Driveline/Axle Technical Data (PDF p. 1058)",
      "as_printed": "Backlash of drive pinion and ring gear\n(mm {in})\nMinimum\n0.05 {0.0020}",
      "verified_years": [
        2003,
        2003
      ],
      "document": {
        "id": "fsm-2003",
        "tier": 1,
        "title": "2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata Workshop Manual (electronic manual capture)",
        "covers": [
          {
            "gen": "NB",
            "years": [
              2003,
              2003
            ],
            "engines": [
              "BP-Z3"
            ]
          }
        ],
        "note": "Normally aspirated BP procedures audited; turbo procedures are covered separately."
      }
    },
    {
      "source": "fsm-2004",
      "page": "Driveline/Axle Technical Data (PDF p. 1078)",
      "as_printed": "Backlash of drive pinion and ring gear\n(mm {in})\nMinimum\n0.05 {0.0020}",
      "verified_years": [
        2004,
        2004
      ],
      "document": {
        "id": "fsm-2004",
        "tier": 1,
        "title": "2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata Workshop Manual (electronic manual capture)",
        "covers": [
          {
            "gen": "NB",
            "years": [
              2004,
              2004
            ],
            "engines": [
              "BP-Z3"
            ]
          }
        ],
        "note": "Normally aspirated BP procedures audited; turbo procedures are covered separately."
      }
    }
  ],
  "jobs": [],
  "system": "driveshaft-differential",
  "component": "differential-inspection",
  "componentName": "Differential overhaul inspection and selection",
  "sequence_diagrams": [],
  "url": "https://miatatorque.com/spec/differential-ring-pinion-backlash-minimum-nb2/"
}
```