Snap Ring Disassembly/Assembly Note

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mazda RX-8. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

While pressing the piston in with a cloth-wrapped pin punch to protect the push rod contacting surface, remove/install the snap ring.

Fig 1: Removing/Installing Snap Ring
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.