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Differential side-gear/pinion-gear backlash — standard (NB2 open differential)

≈0–0.00394 in (0–0.1 mm)0–0.1 mm

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

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.

Applies to
  • NB 2001–2005 (BP-Z3, open) — Actual 2003, 2004 and 2005 factory evidence; 2001–2002 inferred within the owner-approved NB2 non-turbo family.
  • Verified in: 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata Workshop Manual (electronic manual capture); 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata Workshop Manual (electronic manual capture); 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata Workshop Manual (electronic manual capture)

Sources (3)

View 3 source citations
  • 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata Workshop Manual (electronic manual capture)Tier 1
    Page Driveline/Axle Technical Data (PDF p. 1058) · Printed value & notes
    Page Driveline/Axle Technical Data (PDF p. 1058)
    Printed: “Backlash of side gear and pinion gear (mm {in}) 0—0.1 {0—0.004}”
  • 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata Workshop Manual (electronic manual capture)Tier 1
    Page Driveline/Axle Technical Data (PDF p. 1078) · Printed value & notes
    Page Driveline/Axle Technical Data (PDF p. 1078)
    Printed: “Backlash of side gear and pinion gear (mm {in}) 0—0.1 {0—0.004}”
  • 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata Workshop Manual (electronic manual capture)Tier 1
    Page Thrust Washers (Standard) Assembly Note (PDF p. 1201) · Printed value & notes
    Page Thrust Washers (Standard) Assembly Note (PDF p. 1201)
    Printed: “0—0.1 mm {0—0.004 in}”

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