Mazda MX-5 2006–2013 — technical service bulletin
Bulletin 03-004-14-2959 · NHTSA communication 10098543 · issued Sep 9, 2014
Technical service bulletin
communication type
Equipment
component
2006–2013
model years
8
vehicle entries
Official summary
Some vehicles may exhibit a whining noise from the rear differential when driving.the concern may be caused by improper tooth contact pattern of the rear differential gear from abnormal wear. This abnormal wear is caused by gear tooth lapping compound (used during the production) being left on beyond the allowable amount. The production control has been improved to reduce the amount of remaining lapping compound.
Vehicles covered
What a TSB means. Technical service bulletins are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls, and repairs are not automatically free (warranty extensions are an exception worth checking). The full document is available via NHTSA’s vehicle lookup.