Intermediate Shaft Removal Note

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 Mazda 3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Place an alignment mark across the break between the steering column and the yoke for the intermediate shaft as shown in the figure.

Fig 1: Intermediate Shaft Alignment Mark On Break
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Place alignment marks on the steering gear (pinion) and the intermediate shaft as shown in the figure.

Fig 2: Steering Gear (Pinion) And Intermediate Shaft Alignment Mark
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove in the order of joint bolt A and joint bolt B.

Fig 3: Intermediate Shaft Bolt Removal Sequence
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the intermediate shaft.