# Fifth gear end play (NA8 5MT)

Canonical URL: https://miatatorque.com/spec/fifth-gear-end-play-na8-5mt/

Applicability: NA 1994–1997 (BP, 5MT) — 1995–1997 inferred from 1994 factory evidence; actual-year verification is separate.

Confidence: fsm

0.1–0.3 mm {0.004–0.012 in}

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": "fifth-gear-end-play-na8-5mt",
  "name": "Fifth gear end play (NA8 5MT)",
  "aliases": [],
  "applies_to": [
    {
      "gen": "NA",
      "years": [
        1994,
        1997
      ],
      "engines": [
        "BP"
      ],
      "trans": [
        "5MT"
      ],
      "note": "1995–1997 inferred from 1994 factory evidence; actual-year verification is separate."
    }
  ],
  "kind": "non-torque",
  "value_text": "0.1–0.3 mm {0.004–0.012 in}",
  "procedure": {
    "notes": "Install synchronizer ring and fifth gear, steel ball and thrust lock washer; use only two 3.0 mm {0.118 in} C-washers in the front mainshaft groove. Push C-washers fully toward fifth gear and measure between thrust lock washer and C-washers. Select proper thrust lock washer to adjust, then install retaining ring. Distinct from rear-bearing washer-to-snap-ring clearance."
  },
  "confidence": "fsm",
  "sources": [
    {
      "source": "fsm-1994",
      "page": "J–36 (PDF p. 390)",
      "as_printed": "Standard play: 0.1—0.3mm {0.004—0.012 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": "transmission",
  "component": "inventory-pass-2026-10",
  "componentName": "Service measurements and fasteners",
  "sequence_diagrams": [],
  "url": "https://miatatorque.com/spec/fifth-gear-end-play-na8-5mt/"
}
```