Protege & 323 Removal & Installation: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1991 Mazda Navajo, 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata, and 1991 Mazda 929. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Raise and support vehicle. Drain transaxle. Remove wheels and splash shields. Disconnect air hose, and remove air cleaner or resonance chamber. Remove battery and battery tray.
Disconnect speedometer cable and throttle cable assemblies from transaxle. Disconnect inhibitor switch and solenoid valve connectors. Disconnect and remove selector cable.
On 4WD models, disconnect differential lock motor and lock sensor switch connectors. Remove undercover and drive shaft. Remove stiffener, crossmember and exhaust pipe.
On 2WD models, support engine from above using engine support assembly. Remove engine mounts, front exhaust pipe and oil pan. On all models, disconnect tie rod ends from knuckles. Remove stabilizer bar.
Separate left axle shaft from transaxle by prying a bar inserted between shaft and case. DO NOT damage oil seal. Install Differential Side Gear Holder (49-G030-455) into differential side gear opening (to prevent side gears from becoming misaligned).
Separate right axle shaft or intermediate shaft from transaxle, and remove starter motor. On 4WD models, remove center differential lock motor and engine mounts. On all models, disconnect and plug oil cooler hoses. Support transaxle from below using transmission jack.
Remove crossmember. Remove front torque converter housing access plates and cover. Index mark converter to drive plate, and remove torque converter bolts. Slightly lower engine using engine support from above. Remove transaxle securing bolts, and lower transaxle assembly from vehicle.