Rear CROSSMEMBER Removal/Installation (AWD): 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.

WARNING:

Verify that the crossmember is securely supported by a jack. If the rear crossmember falls off, it can cause serious injury or death, and damage to the vehicle.

CAUTION:

Performing the following procedures without first removing the rear 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 rear ABS wheel-speed sensor wiring harness (axle side) and fix the wiring harness to an appropriate place where it will not be pulled by mistake while servicing the vehicle.

NOTE:

Mark the position before removing the rear upper arm.
Align the rear crossmember and rear upper arm markings when installing the rear upper arm.
Tighten the rear upper arm inner bolt completely before installing the rear crossmember component to the vehicle.

Switch the ignition ON (engine off).
Release the electric parking brake.
Switch the ignition off.
Disconnect the wiring harness clips and connectors installed to the rear crossmember.

Fig 1: Locating Wiring Harness Clips
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Set the rear differential breather hose aside.

Fig 2: Locating Rear Differential Breather Hose
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the auto leveling sensor. (With auto leveling sensor) (See AUTO LEVELING SENSOR REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)

Fig 3: Identifying Auto Leveling Sensor Bolts With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the rear ABS wheel-speed sensor wiring harness and the electric parking brake motor gear unit connector and set it aside so that it does not interfere with the servicing. (See REAR ABS WHEEL-SPEED SENSOR REMOVAL/INSTALLATION (AWD) .)

Fig 4: Identifying Electric Parking Brake Motor Gear Unit Connector Bolts With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Jack up the vehicle to the unloaded condition, and support the rear trailing link component using a jack.

Fig 5: Supporting Rear Trailing Link Component Using Jack
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Align the rear crossmember component and rear upper arm and mark them.

Fig 6: Identifying Rear Crossmember Component And Rear Upper Arm
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the propeller shaft. (See PROPELLER SHAFT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Remove the TWC. (See EXHAUST SYSTEM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [SKYACTIV-G 2.0, SKYACTIV-G 2.5] .)
Remove the rear lateral link. (See REAR LATERAL LINK REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Remove the rear coil spring. (See REAR COIL SPRING REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Remove the rear lower arm. (See REAR LOWER ARM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Remove the rear drive shaft. (See REAR DRIVE SHAFT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Remove in the order indicated in the table.
Install in the reverse order of removal.
Inspect the wheel alignment and adjust it if necessary. (See REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENT .)

Fig 7: Rear Crossmember Components With Torque Specifications

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

COMPONENT DESCRIPTION

1	Rear crossmember component (See Rear Crossmember Component Removal Note .) (See Rear Crossmember Component Installation Note .)
2	Rear stabilizer component
3	Rear upper arm (See REAR UPPER ARM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [AWD] .) (See REAR UPPER ARM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [2WD] .)
4	Rear crossmember mudguard
5	Front differential mounting rubber (See REAR DIFFERENTIAL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
6	Rear differential component (See REAR DIFFERENTIAL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
7	Rear crossmember (See Rear Crossmember Installation Note .)