Removal and Installation (Tribute)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 9 other vehicles, including the 2003 Mazda Tribute, 2003 Mazda Protege5, 2003 Mazda Protege, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata, and 2003 Mazda MPV. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Drain the fuel tank.
Remove the leftr rear wheel. For additional information, refer to WHEELS AND TIRES .

Fig 1: Identifying Fuel Tank Rivets
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the rivets and the fuel tank filler tube shield.

Fig 2: Disconnecting Fuel Tank Filler Hose & Vent Hose From Filler Tube
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the fuel tank filler hose and the fuel tank filler vent hose from the fuel filler tube.
Remove the muffler. For additional information, refer to MUFFLER AND TAILPIPE .
On 4WD vehicles, remove the driveshaft. For addition information, refer to DRIVE SHAFT .

Fig 3: Identifying Differential Mounting Bracket-To-Subframe Mounting Bolt
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the differential mounting bracket-to-subframe mounting bolt.

Fig 4: Removing Mass Damper
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the rear differential mass damper.
1. Remove the bolts.
2. Remove the rear differential mass damper.
Fig 5: Identifying Electrical Connector
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the electrical connector.
Using a suitable jack, support the rear differential assembly.

Fig 6: Identifying Differential-To-Bracket Bolts And Differential Mounting Bracket-To-Subframe Mounting Bolts
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Position the axle assembly rearward.
1. Remove the differential-to-bracket bolts.
2. Loosen the differential mounting bracket-to-subframe mounting bolts, rotate the brackets and position the axle assembly rearward.
Use a suitable jack to support the fuel tank.

Fig 7: Disconnecting Vapor Hose
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the vapor hose.

Fig 8: Disconnecting Pin-Type Retainer From Fuel Tank Strap
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the pin-type retainer from the fuel tank strap and position the parking brake cable aside.

Fig 9: Removing Bolts And Fuel Tank Strap
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
NOTE:
- For 4WD vehicles, it will be necessary to disconnect a wiring harness clip from the fuel tank strap.
Remove the bolts and the fuel tank straps

Fig 10: Removing Fuel Tank
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Lower and remove the fuel tank.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.
1. Use the Heavy-Duty Riveter to install the rivets.