Drive pinion preload adjustment

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

Apply differential oil to a new locknut.
Assemble a new collapsible spacer, bearing inner race (front bearing), spacer and locknut to the drive pinion, and temporarily tighten the locknut.
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 SSTs, and make this the specified preload.

Fig 1: Tightening Locknut
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
- If the specified preload cannot be obtained within the specified tightening torque, replace the collapsible spacer and inspect again.
  Tightening torque
  
  190-570 N.m {20-58 kgf.m, 141-420 ft.lbf}
  
  Rear differential drive pinion preload
  
  0.2-0.5 N.m {2.1-5.0 kgf.cm, 1.8-4.4 in.lbf}
Crimp the locknut using a chisel and hammer.

Fig 2: Crimping Locknut Using Chisel And Hammer
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.