# Rear wheel bearing maximum axial play (NB2 and Mazdaspeed)

Canonical URL: https://miatatorque.com/spec/rear-wheel-bearing-axial-play-nb2/

Applicability: NB 2001–2005 (BP-Z3) — Other years inferred from 2003/2005 factory evidence.; NB 2004–2005 (BP-Z3-TURBO) — 2005 factory evidence; 2004 inferred within MSM family.

Confidence: fsm

Maximum 0.05 mm {0.002 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": "rear-wheel-bearing-axial-play-nb2",
  "name": "Rear wheel bearing maximum axial play (NB2 and Mazdaspeed)",
  "aliases": [],
  "applies_to": [
    {
      "gen": "NB",
      "years": [
        2001,
        2005
      ],
      "engines": [
        "BP-Z3"
      ],
      "note": "Other years inferred from 2003/2005 factory evidence."
    },
    {
      "gen": "NB",
      "years": [
        2004,
        2005
      ],
      "engines": [
        "BP-Z3-TURBO"
      ],
      "note": "2005 factory evidence; 2004 inferred within MSM family."
    }
  ],
  "kind": "non-torque",
  "value_text": "Maximum 0.05 mm {0.002 in}",
  "procedure": {
    "notes": "Remove wheel, brake caliper component and disc plate. Position a dial indicator against the hub; push and pull the hub axially by hand. If excessive, replace and tighten the locknut to its specified torque and retest; replace the wheel hub component as necessary."
  },
  "confidence": "fsm",
  "sources": [
    {
      "source": "fsm-2003",
      "page": "PDF p. 995",
      "as_printed": "Maximum wheel bearing play\n0.05 mm {0.002 in}",
      "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-2005",
      "page": "Wheel Hub, Knuckle Pre-Inspection (PDF p. 1141)",
      "as_printed": "Maximum wheel bearing play\n0.05 mm {0.002 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"
            ]
          }
        ]
      }
    }
  ],
  "jobs": [],
  "system": "suspension-rear",
  "component": "inventory-pass-2026-10",
  "componentName": "Service measurements and fasteners",
  "sequence_diagrams": [],
  "url": "https://miatatorque.com/spec/rear-wheel-bearing-axial-play-nb2/"
}
```