Rear Drive Shaft, Rear Knuckle Component Removal Note

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mazda RX-8. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Insert a tire lever or equivalent between the rear differential and differential side outer ring, and remove the rear drive shaft.
CAUTION:
- The sharp edges of the drive shaft can slice or puncture the oil seal. Be careful not to damage the oil seal when removing the drive shaft from the differential.
Fig 1: Inserting Tire Lever Between Rear Differential And Differential Side Outer Ring
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Pull the rear drive shaft and rear knuckle component to the outer side, and detach the rear drive shaft from the rear differential.
To hold the rear drive shaft and rear knuckle component, install the rear lateral link (upper) to the rear knuckle temporarily after disconnecting the rear drive shaft.