Boot Band (Transaxle Side) Disassembly Note

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Mazda 6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Pry up the points indicated in the figure using a plier, and remove the boot band.

Fig 1: Using Pliers To Remove Boot Band
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.