Axle Shaft (626 With M/T): Removal

Raise and support vehicle. Drain transaxle fluid. Remove wheel assembly and axle hub cap. Apply brakes. Loosen axle shaft lock nut. Remove stabilizer bar and supports as needed. Remove lower ball joint crimp bolt. Swing lower control arm away from steering knuckle.
Insert pry bar between left inner CV joint and transaxle. Hit pry bar to remove shaft. Tap end of pry bar lightly to remove the axle shaft.

Fig 1: Mazda 626 Axle Shafts & Intermediate Shaft
Use pry bar on right inner CV joint to uncouple axle shaft from intermediate shaft. Pull axle shaft out of wheel hub. If needed, unbolt intermediate shaft mounting bracket and remove from vehicle.