How to: Mazda Type M (N/A) Transmission Disassembly/Assembly

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Background:

Earlier this year I swapped a Miata gear set into my N/A FC transmission. I photographed the entire assembly process pretty thoroughly and in the effort to bring more technical information to this site I'd like to document the process as a "how to." I'll be presenting this information as a disassembly, which is actually in the reverse order the photographs were taken.

Tools:

Surprisingly the transmission can be disassembled and reassembled with relatively simple tools. A set of good quality metric sockets and wrenches is invaluable. A hammer and punch are needed for several roll pins, and a torque wrench is a must if you are reassembling. Snap ring or c-clip pliers (both in- and out-springing) are also required. This process requires two SST's (special service tools): an extended 32 mm socket, and extended pullers. If you don't have access to the SST's it is possible to recreate them (see below).

Notes:

This task involves a huge number of parts. Many are specific to certain gears and must be disassembled in a certain order. Staying organized is key. In my pictures below you'll often see parts taped to a table with a number on it and sometimes I even specified what parts go with what gear. Also, you'll see in some pictures I'm wearing nitrile gloves. This is because I took these pictures during the reassembly process and I was trying to keep contamination to a minimum. If you're disassembling a transmission for the first time expect a dirty, smelly job.

Comment on model/year variation:

Mazda's Type M, "N/A," or "smooth" transmission has been in a lot of different RWD cars and trucks: '79-91 N/A RX-7's, '89-04 Miatas, and older B-series pickups to name a few. Because of this Mazda has made A LOT of small changes and revisions to these transmissions so depending on the year and model of your car your transmission could be slightly different but the overall process is the same. This is also working from USDM cars. I do not know how foreign models may differ.

Disclaimer:

Per standard forum practice I take no responsibility for any damage you may cause to your vehicle or its transmission. This is meant to be a visual guide to the dissasembly process documented in the 1989 Mazda RX-7 Factory Service Manual. Please consult this manual for the exact procedure as well as inspection, clearance, and fastener torque values.

[infernosg]

Background:

Earlier this year I swapped a Miata gear set into my N/A FC transmission. I photographed the entire assembly process pretty thoroughly and in the effort to bring more technical information to this site I'd like to document the process as a "how to." I'll be presenting this information as a disassembly, which is actually in the reverse order the photographs were taken.

Tools:

Surprisingly the transmission can be disassembled and reassembled with relatively simple tools. A set of good quality metric sockets and wrenches is invaluable. A hammer and punch are needed for several roll pins, and a torque wrench is a must if you are reassembling. Snap ring or c-clip pliers (both in- and out-springing) are also required. This process requires two SST's (special service tools): an extended 32 mm socket, and extended pullers. If you don't have access to the SST's it is possible to recreate them (see below).

Notes:

This task involves a huge number of parts. Many are specific to certain gears and must be disassembled in a certain order. Staying organized is key. In my pictures below you'll often see parts taped to a table with a number on it and sometimes I even specified what parts go with what gear. Also, you'll see in some pictures I'm wearing nitrile gloves. This is because I took these pictures during the reassembly process and I was trying to keep contamination to a minimum. If you're disassembling a transmission for the first time expect a dirty, smelly job.

Comment on model/year variation:

Mazda's Type M, "N/A," or "smooth" transmission has been in a lot of different RWD cars and trucks: '79-91 N/A RX-7's, '89-04 Miatas, and older B-series pickups to name a few. Because of this Mazda has made A LOT of small changes and revisions to these transmissions so depending on the year and model of your car your transmission could be slightly different but the overall process is the same. This is also working from USDM cars. I do not know how foreign models may differ.

Disclaimer:

Per standard forum practice I take no responsibility for any damage you may cause to your vehicle or its transmission. This is meant to be a visual guide to the dissasembly process documented in the 1989 Mazda RX-7 Factory Service Manual. Please consult this manual for the exact procedure as well as inspection, clearance, and fastener torque values.