Oil Seal (Side Gear) Replacement

1. Remove the drain plug and drain the oil.
2. Install the drain plug with a new washer and tighten.

   Tightening torque 

   39.2-53.9 N.m (4.00-5.49 kgf.m, 29.0-39.7 ft.lb) 

3. Disconnect the rear drive shaft on the differential side.

   (See REAR DRIVE SHAFT, REAR KNUCKLE COMPONENT REMOVAL NOTE .)

4. Remove the clip from the rear drive shaft.
   CAUTION:

   • To prevent damaging the inside of the differential casing, wrap cloth on the end of the flathead screwdriver.
5. Remove the oil seal from the differential carrier using a flathead screwdriver.
6. Apply differential oil to the lip of a new oil seal.
   Fig 1: Removing Oil Plug Using Flathead Screwdriver

   Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
7. Tap in the new oil seal until it reaches the differential carrier using the SSTs. 
   NOTE:

   • Install the oil seal at a straight angle.
8. After installing a new clip to the rear drive shaft, insert it into the rear differential. (See REAR DRIVE SHAFT, REAR KNUCKLE COMPONENT INSTALLATION NOTE .)
   Fig 2: Using Special Service Tool To Tap In New Oil Seal

   Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
9. Verify that the rear drive shaft is held securely by the clip by pulling the outer ring on the differential side towards the axle.
10. Add differential oil.
11. After adding the oil, perform the oil level inspection. (See DIFFERENTIAL OIL INSPECTION .)
12. Install the oil-fill plug with a new washer and tighten.

Tightening torque 

39.2-53.9 N.m (4.00-5.49 kgf.m, 29.0-39.7 ft.lb)