Steering Gear and Linkage Removal Note

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mazda 6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION:

Excessively loosening the crossmember nuts may possibly cause the crossmember to fall off. The crossmember nuts must remain threaded on the studs when loosening.

Support the crossmember using a jack before removing the crossmember bracket.

Fig 1: Removing Crossmember Bracket
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Loosen the jack and lower the crossmember.
Remove the steering gear and linkage by pulling it from the left side.