Eccentric Shaft End Play Inspection

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2011 Mazda RX-8, 2010 Mazda RX-8, 2009 Mazda RX-8, 2008 Mazda RX-8, and 2007 Mazda RX-8. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Lock the flywheel (MT) or counterweight (AT) against rotation using the SST .
Assemble the parts in the following order:
1. Spacer
2. Needle bearing
3. Thrust plate
4. Balance weight
5. Oil pump drive gear
6. Metering oil pump drive gear
  
  Fig 1: Locking Flywheel/Counterweight
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
CAUTION:
- When assembling the spacer, do not allow the spacer to be caught in the needle bearing in the plate.
Fig 2: Assembling Spacer
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Assemble the eccentric shaft pulley, eccentric shaft position plate, pulley boss component apply engine oil to the pulley lockbolt threads, and then tighten.
Tightening Torque
1. 254-294 N.m {30.6-34.6 kgf.m, 188-215 ft.lbf}
  
  Fig 3: Correct Spacer Installation
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the SST .

Measure the end play of the eccentric shaft using a dial gauge.

If not within the specification, replace the spacer with one that is thicker than the currently assembled one. If it exceeds the specification, replace with a thinner spacer.

Standard End Play

0.04-0.09 mm {0.0016-0.0035 in}

Maximum End Play

0.1 mm {0.0039 in}

Fig 4: Measuring Eccentric Shaft End Play
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

SPACER TYPES

Marking	Dimension - (mm {in})
A	7.985 {0.3144}
B	8.005{0.3152}
C	8.025 {0.3159}
D	8.045 {0.3167}
E	8.065 {0.3175}

NOTE:

If the end play is not within the specification even after replacing with an A-marked spacer, adjust by grinding it and reuse.