1990 Mazda Miata Driveshaft (Propeller Shaft) Replacement

THOM DAVIS

MEMBER
1990 MAZDA MIATA
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
54,000 MILES

Lost the driveshaft while towing the car on a car dolly. Forgot to wire it up. Stupid huh? Well, I bought a used shaft that supposedly has 60,000 miles on it off a 92 Miata. The female end is clean inside and doesn't look bad for wear. Otherwise, both ends have lots of exterior rust. I plan on wire brushing and shooting with a very light coat of paint. My question is: "Since there are no alignment marks, will putting it in however effect performance?" Thanks for your help.
Thom

3 Replies

RACEFAN966

MECHANIC
5,029 POSTS

No this don't matter. You can put in, in any position you want as the driveline is balanced when it is out of the car anyway. So no worries just put it in and enjoy. Just make sure to check the u-joints.

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Thursday, June 18th, 2009 AT 9:56 AM

THOM DAVIS

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks for your help. U-joints are tight. I didn't know about alignment because they always tell you to mark the plate on the shaft and on the differential when removing. I wonder why? Thanks again.
Thomas

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Thursday, June 18th, 2009 AT 4:37 PM

RACEFAN966

MECHANIC
5,029 POSTS

I don't know why either no reall need to. I only recomend making sure you mark it when you replace ujoints just to make sure it stays in balance but not sure that it really needed either. Thanks and have a great day.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Friday, June 19th, 2009 AT 8:46 AM