mx5cartalk.com

Hi, left side where shafts connects to diff.
need help to identify if this is a seal, if it is where do i get one and which seal is it.

It's probably a side seal, which is a do-able DIY repair. I did it once, and IIRC the directions on http://www.miata.net/garage/miata_differential.html are pretty good.

But before you do that, sometimes the leak is from the front seal (the pinion seal) and the oil just dribbles back and just *looks* like it's coming from the side seal. If it's a front seal then it's a much much bigger job.

So have a good poke around and make sure the front seal is good. If it's ok, then a side seal replacement is maybe a 1hr job if you have a set of stands and a good socket set...The Mazda seal is a just a glorified rubber ring and from memory was $35ea or something like that.

cheers, pretty sure its not the pinion seal.
started un-bolting the left drive-axle when i come to the conclusion i should do both.

thanks for your help
the link is very handy. thanks

Hi Glen,
They are really easy to do.the seals cost me about $15 each from Mazda.
good luck.

yep got through it no worries.
i went to a seal and bearing place and they sold me some non original seals for $7 each.
thanks