Front CROSSMEMBER Removal/Installation: Notes

CAUTION:

Performing the following procedures without first removing the front ABS wheel-speed sensor may possibly cause an open circuit in the harness if it is pulled by mistake. Before performing the following procedures, disconnect the front ABS wheel-speed sensor (axle side) and fix it to an appropriate place where the sensor will not be pulled by mistake while servicing the vehicle.
Secure the steering wheel using tape or a cable to prevent the steering shaft from rotating after disconnecting the steering shaft. If the steering wheel rotates after the steering shaft and the steering gear and linkage are disconnected, the internal parts of the clock spring could be damaged.

Remove the joint cover. (See STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Disconnect the intermediate shaft from the steering gear and linkage. (See STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Disconnect the front ABS wheel-speed sensor wiring harness installed to the steering knuckle and set it aside. (See FRONT ABS WHEEL-SPEED SENSOR REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Remove the front under cover No. 2. (See FRONT UNDER COVER NO. 2 REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)

Fig 1: Front ABS Wheel-Speed Bolts With Torque Specification
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the wiring harness from the front crossmember. (Vehicle with i-ELOOP)
Remove the front under cover No. 1. (See FRONT UNDER COVER NO. 1 REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Remove the splash shield. (See SPLASH SHIELD REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)

Fig 2: Disconnecting Wiring Harness From Front Crossmember
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Set the front mudguard away from the front crossmember and front bumper. (See MUDGUARD REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)

Fig 3: Identifying Front Mudguard
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the front crossmember extension.

Fig 4: Front Crossmember Extension Bolt With Torque Specification
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the front stabilizer control link (front stabilizer side). (See FRONT STABILIZER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)

Fig 5: Front Stabilizer Control Link Bolt With Torque Specification
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the front crossmember insulator.

Fig 6: Front Crossmember Insulator Bolts With Torque Specification
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the hanger rubber from the front crossmember and set it aside.

Fig 7: Identifying Front Crossmember Hanger Rubber
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Loosen the bolts shown in the figure.

Fig 8: Identifying Bracket Plate Bolts
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the bolt shown in the figure.
Remove the tie-rod end locknut.
Tightening torque

47-59 N.m {4.8-6.0 kgf.m, 35-43 ft.lbf}

Fig 9: Identifying Tie-Rod End Locknut Bolt
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Detach the tie-rod end from the steering knuckle using the SST .

Fig 10: Removing Tie-Rod End From Steering Knuckle Using SST
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the front lower arm ball joint.
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 FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT .)

Fig 11: Front Lower Arm Ball Joint Bolt With Torque Specification
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Fig 12: Front Suspension Replacement Components With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.