Axle Shaft: Removal
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Mazda 626. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Drain the transaxle oil. See DRAINING & REFILLING under LUBRICATION in the SERVICING article in TRANSAXLES/TRANSMISSIONS.
- Remove in the order indicated in the illustration. See Fig 1 .
Lock Nut Removal Note
- Knock the crimped portion of the lock nut outward by using a small chisel and a hammer. See Fig 2 .
- Lock the hub by applying the brakes.
- Remove the lock nut.
Tie-Rod End Ball Joint Removal Note
- Remove the tie rod nut.
- Separate the tie-rod end from the steering knuckle by using the Ball Joint Puller Body (49-T028-303) and Ball Joint Puller Attachment (49-T028-304). See Fig 3 .
Engine Mounting Member Removal Note - To prevent damage to the body, insert a rag into the gap between the fender and body, when installing the Engine Support (49-E017-5A0). See Fig 4 . Suspend the engine by using the Engine Support (49-E017-5A0) and remove the engine mounting member.
CAUTION:
The sharp edges of the axle shaft can slice or puncture the oil seal. Be careful when removing the axle shaft from the transaxle.
Axle Shaft Removal Note
- Separate the left side axle shaft from the transaxle by prying with a bar inserted between the outer ring and the transaxle, as shown in the illustration. See Fig 5 .
- Install the Differential Side Gear Holder (49-G030-455) into the transaxle to hold the side gears after axle shaft is removed. See Fig 6 .
- Separate the right side axle shaft from the intermediate shaft by hammering on a bar inserted between them. See Fig 7
.NOTE: If the axle shaft will not come out of the front wheel hub easily, install an already discarded nut onto the axle shaft so that the nut is flush with the end of the axle shaft. Tap the nut with a copper hammer to loosen the axle shaft from the front wheel hub. See Fig 8 .