Two questions...

Any idea, besides Mazda, of where to get a new pinion flange? The seal surface is shot. Didn't see any on the Mazdatrix site. '85 GSL.

Also, is there a trick to removing the drive pinion/spacer/rear bearing/collapsible spacer assembly from the carrier? FSM simply says to "remove" it (p. 9-11). Pinion lock nut, washer, and flange are removed. I'd think that the drive pinion would come right out, but it doesn't. Maybe just a bigger mallet?

Thanks, Mike

 

If a driveline or rearend shop cant locate you a new/used flange,there are repair sleeves that can be purchased and slipped onto a worn oil seal running surface.They are precise fit sleeves that work very well without any machine work,and I think dont cost much.

Getting the pinion bearing preload back to spec is going to require a full 3rd member reset proceedure.This is because its impossible to determine the pinion preload while the ring/carrier is installed.Once you remove the carrier to set the pinion preload,your basically into the job as a complete rearend R&R.
You can leave this part(or the entire job) up to a pro and not worry,or readup and study so you can do it yourself.I will advise you that its not a simple job,there are lots of variables and ways to mess it up.Some precision tools are needed,hypoid gearsets dont tolerate any mistakes or a "close-enough" mentallity.

Read this about 5-6 times if you havent ever done a rearend,then decide......

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billav...structions.pdf