Propeller Shaft Rear (4WD) Removal / Installation

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. See Lifting .
Index-mark the propeller shaft yoke to transfer case companion flange.

Fig 1: Indexing Companion Flange
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Index-mark the propeller shaft to rear companion flange.

Fig 2: Indexing Companion Flange
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the four rear bolts and disconnect the rear propeller shaft.
- Upon installation, install new bolts and tighten to 112 Nm (11.4 kgf-m, 83 lb-ft)
Remove and discard the 4 rear axle flange bolts.
- Upon installation, install new bolts and tighten to 112 Nm (11.4 kgf-m, 83 lb-ft)
Fig 3: Bolts With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: The propeller shaft flange fits tightly on the rear axle pinion flange pilot. Never hammer on the propeller shaft or any of its components to disconnect the propeller shaft flange from the pinion flange. Pry only with a suitable tool to disconnect the propeller shaft flange from the pinion flange.
Using a suitable tool, separate the propeller shaft flange from the rear axle pinion flange.
Lower the propeller shaft from the vehicle.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.