Camshaft 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.

CAUTION:

Keep the timing chain pulled up during and after the work in which it has been set aside from the sprocket. If the chain falls down, it may disengage from the sprocket on the crankshaft side and deviate, leading to valve timing deviation.
After servicing, always verify the valve timing.

NOTE:

Remove the exhaust camshaft and the hydraulic variable valve timing actuator as a single unit.

Leave the timing chain as it is, which was suspended after electric variable valve timing actuator removal.
Temporarily install the cylinder head cover bolt to the position shown in the figure to use it for suspending the timing chain.

Fig 1: Cylinder Head Cover Bolt Tightening Sequence
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Loosen the camshaft cap bolts in two or three passes in the order shown in the figure, and remove the camshaft caps.

Fig 2: Camshaft Cap Bolts Tightening Sequence
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the intake camshaft.
While setting the timing chain aside, remove the hydraulic variable valve timing actuator and the exhaust camshaft as a single unit.

Fig 3: Removing Exhaust Camshaft Timing Chain
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Pull up the timing chain and suspend it using a rope as shown in the figure.

Fig 4: Pulling Up Timing Chain Using Rope

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.