Drive Shaft Removal Note

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Mazda CX-5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Install a spare nut onto the drive shaft.
Tap the nut with a copper hammer and separate the drive shaft from the axle.

Fig 1: Removing Drive Shaft From Axle
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Separate the drive shaft from the wheel hub.
Separate the drive shaft (LH) from the transaxle using the SSTs.

Fig 2: Removing Drive Shaft (LH) From Transaxle

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

CAUTION:

Be careful not to damage the transaxle oil seal with the bar.