Front Drive Shaft Removal/Installation: Notes

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.

CAUTION:

Performing the following procedures without first removing the ABS wheel-speed sensor may possibly cause an open circuit in the wiring harness if it is pulled by mistake. Before performing the following procedures, disconnect the ABS wheel-speed sensor connector (axle side) and fix the wiring harness to an appropriate place where it will not be pulled by mistake while servicing the vehicle.
If the right side drive shaft is removed for AWD vehicle, replace transfer oil seals (RH) No. 1 and No. 3.

Remove the front under cover No. 2. (See FRONT UNDER COVER No. 2 REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Remove the splash shield. (See SPLASH SHIELD REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Drain the transaxle oil or ATF. (See MANUAL TRANSAXLE OIL REPLACEMENT [C66M-R] or AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID (ATF) REPLACEMENT [FW6A-EL, FW6AX-EL] .)
Remove in the order indicated in the table.
Install in the reverse order of removal.
After installation, add the specified transaxle oil or ATF. (See MANUAL TRANSAXLE OIL REPLACEMENT [C66M-R] or AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID (ATF) REPLACEMENT [FW6A-EL, FW6AX-EL] .)

Fig 1: Front Drive Shaft Components With Torque Specifications

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

COMPONENT DESCRIPTION

1	ABS wheel-speed sensor
2	Locknut (See Locknut Installation Note .)
3	Tie-rod end ball joint (See FRONT CROSSMEMBER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
4	Stabilizer control link upper nut
5	Dynamic damper (if equipped)
6	Brake hose clip
7	Front lower arm ball joint
8	Drive shaft (LH) (See Drive Shaft Removal Note .) (See Drive Shaft (LH) Installation Note .)
9	Drive shaft clip (See Drive Shaft Clip Installation Note .)
10	Bracket No. 2 (See Bracket, Drive Shaft (RH) Installation Note .)
11	Drive shaft (RH) (See Bracket, Drive Shaft (RH) Installation Note .)
12	Bracket No. 1 (See Bracket, Drive Shaft (RH) Installation Note .)