Transaxle Removal: Removal

Remove the air cleaner assembly. See AIR CLEANER .
Remove the battery tray. See BATTERY TRAY -- 3.0L (4V) .
Remove the air cleaner outlet tube.
1. Disconnect the emission management tube and hose.
2. Loosen the clamp.
3. Remove the air cleaner outlet tube.
Fig 1: Illustration For Step 1-3
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the wiring harness bracket nuts.

Fig 2: Removing Wiring Harness Bracket Nuts
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the reverse switch and vehicle speed sensor (VSS) connectors.

Fig 3: Disconnecting Reverse Switch And Vehicle Speed Sensor Connectors
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the shift cables.

Fig 4: Disconnecting Shift Cables
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

CAUTION:

To prevent damage, do not spill brake fluid onto plastic or painted surfaces.

Fig 5: Illustration For Step 1-3

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Position the clutch hydraulic line aside.
1. Remove the bolt.
2. Disconnect the clutch hydraulic tube from the clutch slave cylinder.
3. Position the clutch hydraulic tube aside.
Remove the shift cable bracket.
- Remove the 3 bolts.
- Remove the shift cable bracket.
Fig 6: Removing Shift Cable Bracket
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Using the special tool, support the engine.

Fig 7: Supporting Engine Using Special Tool
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the LH transaxle support insulator bracket.
1. Remove the 3 nuts.
2. Remove the through bolt.
3. Remove the LH transaxle support insulator bracket.
  
  Fig 8: Illustration For Step 1-3
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the rear transaxle support insulator.
1. Remove the bolt.
2. Remove the nuts.
3. Remove the through bolt.
4. Remove the rear transaxle support insulator.
Fig 9: Illustration For Step 1-4
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the 3 upper transaxle-to-engine bolts.

Fig 10: Removing 3 Upper Transaxle-To-Engine Bolts
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Raise and support the vehicle on a hoist.
Drain the transaxle fluid. See TRANSAXLE DRAINING AND FILLING .
Remove the crossmember.
1. Remove the bolts.
2. Remove the crossmember.
Fig 11: Illustration For Step 1-2
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the crossmember.
1. Remove the 2 bolts.
2. Remove the splash shield screw.
3. Remove the 2 bolts and nut.
4. Remove the crossmember.
Fig 12: Illustration For Step 1-4
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the LH splash shield screws.

Fig 13: Removing LH Splash Shield Screws
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the LH side splash shield.

Fig 14: Removing LH Side Splash Shield
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the starter motor assembly. See STARTER MOTOR -- 3.0L (4V) .
Remove the RH intermediate shaft and the LH half-shaft. See HALFSHAFT -- FRONT DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY and see INTERMEDIATE SHAFT .
Remove the front transaxle support insulator bracket.
1. Remove the through bolt.
2. Remove the front transaxle support insulator.
3. Remove the 3 bolts.
4. Remove the front transaxle support insulator bracket.
  
  Fig 15: Illustration For Step 1-4
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the exhaust outlet pipe. See CATALYTIC CONVERTER -- 2.3L .
Support the transaxle before removing any of the bolts.

Fig 16: Supporting Transaxle
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

WARNING:

Secure the transaxle to the transaxle jack with a safety chain. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

Position the transaxle jack under the transaxle. Raise and support the transaxle.
Remove the 9 bolts and the transaxle.

Fig 17: Removing Bolts And Transaxle
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.