Axle Shaft: Removal
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mazda MPV, 2003 Mazda MPV, and 2002 Mazda MPV. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Raise and support front of vehicle. Remove the front wheels and tires.
- Drain the transaxle oil. See DRAINING & REFILLING under LUBRICATION in appropriate SERVICING article in TRANSAXLES/TRANSMISSIONS.
- If removing right axle shaft, remove the right steering knuckle and wheel hub assembly. See FRONT AXLE WHEEL HUB & STEERING KNUCKLE . To remove the axle shaft, it is only necessary to remove the steering knuckle and hub assembly, not disassemble it.
- Remove in the order indicated in the illustration. See Fig 1 .
Axle Shaft (Left Side) Removal Note
- Remove the clinch bolt and nut.
- Wrap a rag around the ball joint dust boot.
- Pry the lower arm out of the knuckle. See Fig 2 .
- Install a spare nut onto the axle shaft so that the nut is flush with the end of the axle shaft.
- Tap the nut with a copper hammer to loosen the axle shaft from the front wheel hub.
- Separate the axle shaft from the wheel hub. See Fig 3
.CAUTION: The sharp edges of the axle shaft can slice or puncture the oil seal. Be careful when removing the axle shaft from the transaxle.
- Separate the left side axle shaft from the transaxle by prying with a bar inserted between the outer ring and the transaxle, as shown in the illustration. See Fig 4 .
Axle Shaft (Right Side) & Intermediate Shaft Removal Note - Remove the axle shaft (right side) and intermediate shaft component.
Axle Shaft (Right Side) Removal Note
- Secure the shaft portion of the intermediate shaft in a vise.
- As shown in the illustration, insert a pry bar between the axle shaft and the intermediate shaft and tap on the bar to uncouple them. See Fig 5 .