MSM differential issue in 1990 miata
 

I have been swapping from my 1.6 open diff to a MSM diff today, using the original parts from the donor car (axles and driveshaft). Everything fits, except when I start to tighten the axle nuts, I can no longer rotate the axle. Even as little as 100 ft lb of torque on the nut will freeze the axle. If the nut is hand tight, the axle will rotate. The only point of contact that I can find is the seal between the bearing and axle.

From what I have found, this should fit into a 1990 Miata.

In in my searching, I have found some reference to a parts diagram that shows a 2005 Miata assembly, without the seal that is making contact. Has anyone here experienced the same issue? Do you remove the seal, or is there a different seal that I should be replacing it with?

Pictures would help.

That makes sense. Picture is attached. The axle seems to be pressed pretty hard against the seal. This is the only point of contact that I can find that I think would be causing my problem.

It seems I can only attach one photo at a time on my iPhone.

Watching with interest. I will be doing this myself shortly.

maybe your hub somehow got pulled apart or pressed out?

I have owned the car for almost 15 years, and this is the first time the rear axles have been taken out since I have owned the car. Both came out extremely easy (no rust holding them in). I would be surprised if the bearings or hub were slightly or of place, but I will check on that tonight. My brother who is a mechanic will be coming over tonight to take a look as well. Hopefully we will find a solution.

hey sir I’m having the same issue how did u solve it?