Genuine Mazda MX-5 Miata Axle Shaft

Mazda MX-5 Miata Axle Shaft Parts and Q&A

• Axle Assembly
  MA04-25-50XB
  Q: How is power transmitted from the differential to the wheels through the axle shaft on Mazda MX-5 Miata?

  A:

  The Differential is connected to the wheels via a pair of axle shafts, the inner ends of which are connected to the inner gears of the differential and the outer ends to the hub of the axles, with the connection being made by a large locknut. The inner ends have constant velocity joints which can move both angular and axial, made up of a tripod bearing that is housing a joint which can slide as the axle shaft slides along with the wheel. They can be taken apart and washed in case one of the boots fails, but damaged ones need a full replacement. The outer CV Joints, which are made in the shape of a ball joint, are filled with ball bearings between an inner race and an outer cage enabling angular movement and not axial movement. Cleaning, inspection, repacking of the outer joints are possible, however, they cannot be disassembled and any damage requires replacement of the outer joint and the axle shaft, which is made part of the same part. It is also crucial to inspect the boots regularly and inform of damages and leaks of lubricants and replace the torn CV Joint Boots on time because otherwise the joint may suffer damage. The replacement of boots usually involves the necessity of removing the axle shaft, but there are auto parts stores which sell so-called split type replacement boots that do not need to remove the axle to install, but this is only convenient and does not guarantee that the joint is thoroughly cleaned. Typical signs of worn out or damaged CV joints are: leakage of lubricants, clicking sounds during turns, clunking sounds on acceleration following coasting, and vibrations at highways. To verify wear, hold each axle separately and ensure that it turns with the CV joint housings and detect the presence of play which would indicate worn splines or loose joints and examine the shafts of the axle shafts checking them against cracks, dents, and distortion.
• Axle Assembly
  MA0425600A
  Q: How to properly remove and install an axle shaft on Mazda MX-5 Miata?

  A:

  When the vehicle is designed such that the wheels can be removed without disturbing the lug nuts connecting the wheels to the axle shaft, then loosen the rear wheel lug nuts, unstake and loosen the axle shaft hub locknut. Lift the car and place it on jackstands and then take off the wheels. In case there is a need to remove the wheels to access the locknut, loosen the lug nuts of the back wheels, position the vehicle, and stabilize it on jackstands and then remove the wheels and unscrew locknut. Insert a prybar between two wheel studs to loosen the axle shaft hub locknut to ensure it does not turn. On pre-2005 models, the pivot bolt (bolt holding the upper end of the rear knuckle in place) should be removed to enable the knuckle to swing out to allow removal of the axle shaft. To access the stabilizer bar connector to the rear knuckle, disconnect completely the stabilizer bar connector and all four connections of the rear brake caliper and remove the rear brake caliper and ABS sensor, and position them clear, then disconnect the stabilizer bar connector. Install a puller to the wheel studs, which helps to loosen the axle shaft and the splines of the hub, ensuring that the axle shaft and the Differential are not damaged. On 2005 and previous models, detach the axle shaft on the hub, by gripping the upper end of the knuckle outwards. In the case of 2006 and subsequent models, once the outer end of the axle shaft has been removed out of the rear knuckle, the knuckle should be supported by reconnecting it with the rear upper lateral link, making sure that the axle shaft does not dangle by the inner CV Joint. Put a drain pan under the differential to contain any lubricant that is bound to spill during the process of removing the axle shafts. The connection between the inner CV joint and the output shaft is marked on the 1996 and earlier models before the nuts and washers are removed. On 1997 and subsequent models, trace the association of the interior CV joint and the differential and then carefully pry the interior CV joint out of the differential without having any harm to the dust seal and the oil seal. Installation comprises the converse of removal with further details: in 1996 and earlier, fit the inner end of the axle shaft over the studs of the differential output shaft, then fit the washers and nuts and tighten them, in 1997 and later models, fit a new clip on the end of the axle shaft inner CV joint, apply molybdenum-based grease to the splines, and lubricate the differential oil seal with differential oil and then push the axle shaft sharply to seat the clip. Install a new axle shaft hub locknut, tighten it to the required torque and punch it. Then, lastly, attach the wheel and the lug nuts, lower the vehicle and screw the lug nuts to the recommended torque and ensure the differential lubricant is properly checked and added, where needed, to bring it up to the correct level.