Intermediate Shaft Removal Note

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2014 Mazda 6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Place an alignment mark across the break between the steering column and the yoke for the intermediate shaft as shown in the figure.

Fig 1: Placing Alignment Mark Across Break Between Steering Column And Yoke
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Place alignment marks on the steering gear (pinion) and the intermediate shaft as shown in the figure.

Fig 2: Identifying Alignment Marks On Steering Gear (Pinion) And Intermediate Shaft
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove joint bolt A, then joint bolt B.
Remove the intermediate shaft.

Fig 3: Identifying Intermediate Shaft And Joint Bolts
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.