Rear Drive Shaft Removal Note

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mazda RX-8. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Temporarily install a spare nut to the end of the rear drive shaft.
Knock the nut with copper hammer lightly and remove the rear drive shaft from the wheel hub.
Separate the rear drive shaft from the wheel hub.

Fig 1: Separating Rear Drive Shaft From Wheel Hub
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Insert a tire lever or equivalent between the rear differential and differential side outer ring, and then remove the rear drive shaft.

Fig 2: Inserting Tire Lever Or Equivalent Between Rear Differential And Differential Side Outer Ring
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
CAUTION:
- The sharp edges of the drive shaft can slice or puncture the oil seal. Be careful not to damage the oil seal when removing the drive shaft from the differential.
Pull the rear drive shaft to the outer side of the vehicle and disconnect it from the rear differential.
To hold the rear knuckle component, install the rear lateral link (upper) to the rear knuckle temporarily after disconnecting the rear drive shaft.