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

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

0.09–0.11 mm

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-standard-nb2",
  "name": "Differential drive-pinion/ring-gear backlash — setup target (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": "0.09–0.11 mm",
  "procedure": {
    "notes": "Mark four ring-gear positions approximately 90° apart. Place the dial-indicator tip at a right angle to a ring-gear tooth and turn the two bearing adjusters equally to set this target. Recheck backlash after bearing-preload adjustment and inspect tooth contact using the full factory procedure. This record supplies the setup target only; also perform the cross-position inspection using the full factory procedure. Metric endpoints control over differing printed inch rounding. Owner resolution, 2026-10-16: retain 0.09–0.11 mm as the setup target. The contradictory 0.07 mm procedure wording is not used as an absolute backlash limit; no separate 0.07 mm variation specification is added."
  },
  "confidence": "fsm",
  "sources": [
    {
      "source": "fsm-2005",
      "page": "Differential Assembly Note (PDF p. 1202)",
      "as_printed": "0.09—0.11 mm {0.0035—0.0043 in}",
      "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})\nStandard\n0.09—0.11 {0.0035—0.0043}",
      "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})\nStandard\n0.09—0.11 {0.0035—0.0043}",
      "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-standard-nb2/"
}
```