Mazda MX-5 Miata / Grand Touring. Manual — part 109

Fig. 27: Removing Front Upper Arm Ball Joint From Steering Knuckle Using SST
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER, COIL SPRING AND FRONT UPPER ARM REMOVAL NOTE

1. Loosen the shock absorber upper nuts.

2. Remove the front shock absorber lower bolt and nut.

FRONT UPPER ARM REMOVAL NOTE

1. Remove the front upper arm bolts.

2. Push down the front lower arm, and then remove the front upper arm from the gap between the shock

absorber lower end and the front lower arm.

FRONT STABILIZER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION

1. Remove in the order indicated in the table.

CAUTION:



Performing the following procedures without first removing the ABS
wheel-speed sensor may possibly cause an open circuit in the wiring
harness if it is pulled by mistake. Before performing the following
procedures, remove the ABS wheel-speed sensor (axle side) and fix
it to an appropriate place where the sensor will not be pulled while
servicing the vehicle.

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring

2008 SUSPENSION Front Suspension - MX-5 Miata

2. Install in the reverse order of removal.

Fig. 28: Identifying Front Stabilizer Components (With Torque Specifications)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

STABILIZER BRACKET INSTALLATION NOTE

1. Apply rubber grease to the inner side of the stabilizer bushing.

2. Align the outer side of the stabilizer slide stopper with the stabilizer bushing.

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring

2008 SUSPENSION Front Suspension - MX-5 Miata

Fig. 29: Aligning Outer Side Of Stabilizer Slide Stopper With Stabilizer Bushing
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

3. Install the stabilizer bracket.

FRONT STABILIZER CONTROL LINK INSPECTION

1. Remove the stabilizer control link from the vehicle. (See FRONT STABILIZER

REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)

2. Inspect the stabilizer control link for bending or damage. If there is any malfunction, replace it.

3. Rotate the ball joint stud 10 times , and then rock it side to side 10 times .

4. Measure the ball-joint rotational torque using an Allen wrench and a torque wrench.

Stabilizer control link ball joint rotational torque

0.2-2.0 N.m {3-20 kgf.cm, 2-17 in.lbf}



If not within the specification, replace the stabilizer control link. (See FRONT STABILIZER
REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring

2008 SUSPENSION Front Suspension - MX-5 Miata

Fig. 30: Measuring Ball-Joint Rotational Torque
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

FRONT CROSSMEMBER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION

1. Remove the front suspension tower bar. (See FRONT SUSPENSION TOWER BAR

REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)

2. Remove the front stabilizer (See FRONT STABILIZER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)

3. Remove the transverse members (See TRANSVERSE MEMBER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)

4. Remove the steering gear and linkage, and suspend it using a cable.

5. Remove in the order indicated in Fig. 31 .

6. Install in the reverse order of removal.

7. Inspect the front wheel alignment. (See FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT .)

CAUTION:



Performing the following procedures without first removing the ABS
wheel-speed sensor may possibly cause an open circuit in the wiring
harness if it is pulled by mistake. Before performing the following
procedures, remove the ABS wheel-speed sensor (axle side) and fix
it to an appropriate place where the sensor will not be pulled while
servicing the vehicle.

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring

2008 SUSPENSION Front Suspension - MX-5 Miata