# Differential side-gear/pinion-gear backlash — standard (NA8)

Canonical URL: https://miatatorque.com/spec/differential-side-pinion-gear-backlash-na8/

Applicability: NA 1994–1997 (BP, open) — Actual 1994 factory evidence; other years in the approved family inferred with owner approval.

Confidence: fsm

0–0.1 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-side-pinion-gear-backlash-na8",
  "name": "Differential side-gear/pinion-gear backlash — standard (NA8)",
  "aliases": [],
  "applies_to": [
    {
      "gen": "NA",
      "years": [
        1994,
        1997
      ],
      "engines": [
        "BP"
      ],
      "diff": [
        "open"
      ],
      "note": "Actual 1994 factory evidence; other years in the approved family inferred with owner approval."
    }
  ],
  "kind": "non-torque",
  "value_text": "0–0.1 mm",
  "procedure": {
    "notes": "Open differential internal gear inspection. Secure one side gear and measure pinion-gear backlash at its end with a dial gauge. Select thrust washers if excessive. This is separate from the drive-pinion/ring-gear backlash; do not apply this open-unit adjustment to a Torsen or Tochigi-Fuji LSD."
  },
  "confidence": "fsm",
  "sources": [
    {
      "source": "fsm-1994",
      "page": "M–40 (PDF p. 625)",
      "as_printed": "Standard backlash: 0—0.1mm {0—0.004 in}",
      "verified_years": [
        1994,
        1994
      ],
      "document": {
        "id": "fsm-1994",
        "tier": 1,
        "title": "1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata Workshop Manual",
        "covers": [
          {
            "gen": "NA",
            "years": [
              1994,
              1997
            ],
            "engines": [
              "BP"
            ]
          }
        ],
        "note": "Mazda's base manual for 1994–97; later model years got supplements, which we haven't checked yet."
      }
    }
  ],
  "jobs": [],
  "system": "driveshaft-differential",
  "component": "differential-inspection",
  "componentName": "Differential overhaul inspection and selection",
  "sequence_diagrams": [],
  "url": "https://miatatorque.com/spec/differential-side-pinion-gear-backlash-na8/"
}
```