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

Canonical URL: https://miatatorque.com/spec/differential-side-pinion-gear-backlash-nb2/

Applicability: NB 2001–2005 (BP-Z3, open) — Actual 2003, 2004 and 2005 factory evidence; 2001–2002 inferred within the owner-approved NB2 non-turbo family.

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-nb2",
  "name": "Differential side-gear/pinion-gear backlash — standard (NB2 open differential)",
  "aliases": [],
  "applies_to": [
    {
      "gen": "NB",
      "years": [
        2001,
        2005
      ],
      "engines": [
        "BP-Z3"
      ],
      "diff": [
        "open"
      ],
      "note": "Actual 2003, 2004 and 2005 factory evidence; 2001–2002 inferred within the owner-approved NB2 non-turbo family."
    }
  ],
  "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-2005",
      "page": "Thrust Washers (Standard) Assembly Note (PDF p. 1201)",
      "as_printed": "0—0.1 mm {0—0.004 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 side gear and pinion gear\n(mm {in})\n0—0.1 {0—0.004}",
      "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 side gear and pinion gear\n(mm {in})\n0—0.1 {0—0.004}",
      "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-side-pinion-gear-backlash-nb2/"
}
```