Mazda RX-8 Workshop Manual page 1529

Drive Pinion Component Assembly Note
Drive pinion preload adjustment
NOTE:
Perform preload adjustment with the oil seal uninstalled.
1. Assemble the following parts to the drive pinion.
New collapsible spacer
Front bearing
New spacer
Companion flange
New washer
New locknut
2. Turn the serrated part of the drive pinion by hand to seat the bearing.
3. Tighten the locknut temporarily tightened in Step 1 from the lower limit of the specified tightening torque using the SST, and obtain the
specified preload. Record the tightening torque at this time.
Tightening torque
128—284 N·m {13—29 kgf·m, 95—209 ft·lbf}
Differential drive pinion preload
1.3—1.7 N·m {14—17 kgf·cm, 12—15 in·lbf}
If the specified preload cannot be obtained within the specified tightening torque, replace with a new collapsible spacer
and adjust again.
4. Remove the locknut, washer, and companion flange.
Oil Seal (Companion Flange) Assembly Note
1. Apply differential oil to the lip of a new oil seal.
2. Assemble the oil seal using the SST.