Joint Shaft Removal 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.

Disconnect the drive shaft (RH) from the joint shaft by using the SSTs .
Disconnect the joint shaft bracket from the cylinder block and remove the joint shaft.
CAUTION:
- The sharp edges of the joint shaft can slice or puncture the oil seal. Be careful when removing the joint shaft from the transaxle.
  
  Fig 1: Using SSTs To Remove Joint Shaft
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.