Genuine Mazda Selectable Differential Pinion Bearing Spacer
Replacement Genuine Mazda rear differential pinion-bearing spacer for Mazda MX-5 Mk1 1.8, Mk2, Mk2.5, Mk3, Mk3.5, Mk3.75 and Mk4 models listed in the compatibility table.
This is a multi-variant listing containing 27 different spacer thicknesses from 3.080mm to 3.470mm. Select the exact thickness required from the product options before ordering. One spacer in the selected size is supplied.
The spacer is fitted inside the rear differential between the pinion-bearing components. Its accurately controlled thickness is used during differential assembly to establish the specified pinion-bearing preload and internal pinion position.
The correct spacer thickness cannot be selected from the vehicle model alone. The differential must be dismantled and measured using the applicable Mazda workshop procedure. The required size depends on the differential casing, bearings, pinion and other components being assembled.
An incorrect spacer thickness can result in excessive or insufficient pinion-bearing preload, incorrect crown-wheel and pinion contact, differential whine, overheating or accelerated wear of the bearings and final-drive gears.
- Part type: Differential pinion-bearing selective spacer
- Mazda catalogue description: Spacer
- Primary use: Establishes the specified pinion-bearing preload and pinion position
- Location: Inside the rear differential assembly
- Product format: One Shopify listing with 27 selectable thickness variants
- Available thickness range: 3.080mm to 3.470mm
- Quantity required: Determined during differential measurement and assembly
- Quantity supplied: 1 spacer in the selected thickness
- Brand: Genuine Mazda
- Variant references: 0223-27-401A through 0223-27-434, as individually listed in the product options
- Fitment note: Compatible with MX-5 Mk1 1.8 and subsequent MX-5 generations; not suitable for Mk1 1.6 models
Size selection: Select the exact spacer thickness determined during differential measurement and setup. Do not automatically reuse the thickness of the original spacer where the pinion bearings, bearing races, differential casing or final-drive components have been changed.
Fitment advice: This spacer range is suitable for the confirmed Mazda MX-5 rear differential applications. Different final-drive ratios, differential types and internal component combinations may require different spacer sizes. Confirm the calculated thickness before ordering.
Other items to consider: When rebuilding the differential, consider inspecting or replacing the pinion bearings, bearing races, pinion oil seal, pinion nut, collapsible spacer where applicable, carrier bearings, differential casing sealant and differential oil.
Useful tools / consumables: Bearing pullers, workshop press, dial indicator, magnetic stand, micrometer, depth gauge, inch-pound torque wrench, bearing marking compound, assembly lubricant, casing sealant and manufacturer-specified differential oil.
Difficulty guide: DIY Difficulty: Advanced. Correct installation requires removal and dismantling of the differential, accurate measurement of pinion-bearing preload and final-drive contact, and specialist knowledge of differential setup. Installation by an experienced transmission or differential specialist is recommended.
Why Genuine Mazda? Genuine Mazda selective spacers are manufactured in accurately controlled thicknesses to match the original differential casing, pinion bearings and final-drive assembly. Correct dimensional accuracy and material specification are essential for achieving the required preload, alignment and reliable differential operation.
What’s in the box: One Genuine Mazda differential pinion-bearing spacer in the thickness selected from the product options.
Installation notes: Measure the differential assembly using the applicable Mazda workshop procedure before selecting the spacer. Install the bearing races fully into their seats, keep all mating surfaces clean and verify pinion-bearing preload, crown-wheel backlash and gear-tooth contact after assembly. Do not operate the differential until all measurements are within specification and the unit has been filled with the correct oil.
| Make | Model | Sub Variant | Chassis / Code | Years | Power (PS) | Engine Codes | Fuel | Transmission | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda | MX-5 | Mk1 NA – 1.8 only | NA8C | 1994–1998 | 131 | BP-ZE | Petrol | Manual / Automatic | Not suitable for Mk1 1.6; select exact thickness by measurement |
| Mazda | MX-5 | Mk2 / Mk2.5 NB / NB-FL | NB6C / NB8C | 1998–2005 | 110–178 | B6-ZE / BP series | Petrol | Manual / Automatic | Rear differential pinion-bearing spacer; select exact thickness by measurement |
| Mazda | MX-5 | Mk3 / Mk3.5 / Mk3.75 NC | NCEC / NC | 2005–2015 | 126 / 160 | L8-VE / LF-VE | Petrol | Manual / Automatic | Rear differential pinion-bearing spacer; select exact thickness by measurement |
| Mazda | MX-5 / MX-5 RF | Mk4 ND1 / ND2 / ND3 | ND | 2015–Present | 131–184 | P5-VP / PE-VPS | Petrol | Manual / Automatic | Rear differential pinion-bearing spacer; select exact thickness by measurement |
| Vehicle Manufacturer | OEM Reference Number |
|---|---|
| Mazda | 0223-27-401A to 0223-27-409A |
| Mazda | 0223-27-411A to 0223-27-419 |
| Mazda | 0223-27-422 to 0223-27-428 |
| Mazda | 0223-27-433 / 0223-27-434 |