Camshaft Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata, and 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Set the No.1 and No.5 journals on V-blocks. Measure the camshaft runout. Replace the camshaft as necessary.
Runout
1. 0.03 mm {0.0012 in} max.
  
  Fig 1: Measuring Camshaft Runout
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Measure the cam lobe height at the two points as shown. Replace the camshaft as necessary.

CAM LOBE STANDARD HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS

Camshaft	BP - mm {in}	BP with TC - mm {in}
IN	44.3 {1.744}	44.8 {1.764}
EX	44.9 {1.768}

CAM LOBE MINIMUM HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS

Camshaft	BP - mm {in}	BP with TC - mm {in}
IN	44.1 {1.736}	44.6 {1.756}
EX	44.7 {1.760}

Fig 2: Measuring Camshaft Lobe Height

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Measure the journal diameters in X and Y directions at the two points (A and B) as shown. Replace the camshaft as necessary.
Standard Diameter
1. 25.940-25.965 mm {1.0213-1.0222 in}
Minimum Diameter
1. 25.910 mm {1.0201 in}
  
  Fig 3: Measuring Journal Diameter
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.