Drive Pinion Component Assembly Note

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mazda RX-8. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Drive pinion preload adjustment

NOTE:

Perform preload adjustment with the oil seal uninstalled.

Assemble the following parts to the drive pinion.
- New collapsible spacer
- Front bearing
- New spacer
- Companion flange
- New washer
- New locknut

Fig 1: Assembling Spacer

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Turn the serrated part of the drive pinion by hand to seat the bearing.
Tighten the locknut temporarily tightened in Step 1 from the lower limit of the specified tightening torque using the SST, and obtain the specified preload. Record the tightening torque at this time.
Tightening torque

128-284 N.m (13-29 kgf.m, 95-209 ft.lb)

Drive pinion preload

1.3-1.7 N.m (14-17 kgf.cm, 12-15 in.lb)
- If the specified preload cannot be obtained within the specified tightening torque, replace with a new collapsible spacer and adjust again.
Remove the locknut, washer, and companion flange.