Front Drive Shaft Removal/Installation: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Mazda 6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION:

Performing the following procedures could cause an open circuit in the front ABS wheel-speed sensor wiring harness if it is pulled by mistake. Before servicing, disconnect the front ABS wheel-speed sensor and set it aside so that the wiring harness will not be pulled by mistake.

Remove the wheel and tire. (See WHEEL AND TIRE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Disconnect the front ABS wheel-speed sensor wiring harness installed to the steering knuckle and set it aside.

Fig 1: Disconnecting Front ABS Wheel-Speed Sensor Wiring Harness To Steering Knuckle
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the front under cover No. 2. (See FRONT UNDER COVER No. 2 REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Remove the front splash shield. (See SPLASH SHIELD REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Drain the manual transaxle oil or ATF. (See MANUAL TRANSAXLE OIL REPLACEMENT [C66M-R] .) (See AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID (ATF) REPLACEMENT [FW6A-EL] .) (See AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID (ATF) REPLACEMENT [GW6A-EL] .)
Remove the locknut with the brake pedal depressed. (See Locknut Installation Note .)

Fig 2: Locknut
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
CAUTION:
- When removing the locknut, remove it manually without using an electric or pneumatic tool. Otherwise, the locknut may seize.
- When removing the locknut, do not apply load at the ground to the axle. Otherwise, it could damage the wheel hub.
Remove in the order indicated in the table.
Install in the reverse order of removal.

After installation, add the specified manual transaxle oil or ATF. (See MANUAL TRANSAXLE OIL REPLACEMENT [C66M-R] .) (See AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID (ATF) REPLACEMENT [FW6A-EL] .) (See AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID (ATF) REPLACEMENT [GW6A-EL] .)

Fig 3: Front Drive Shaft Components With Torque Specification

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

COMPONENT DESCRIPTION

1	Tie-rod end (See TIE-ROD END REPLACEMENT .)
2	Stabilizer control link upper nut
3	Dynamic damper
4	Brake hose clip
5	Front lower arm ball joint (See FRONT LOWER ARM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
6	Front drive shaft (LH) (See Front Drive Shaft Removal Note .) (See Front Drive Shaft (LH) Installation Note .)
7	Front drive shaft clip (See Front Drive Shaft Clip Installation Note .)
8	Bracket No. 2 (See Bracket, Front Drive Shaft (RH) Installation Note [SKYACTIV-G 2.5] .)
9	Front drive shaft (RH) (See Front Drive Shaft Removal Note .) (See Bracket, Front Drive Shaft (RH) Installation Note [SKYACTIV-G 2.5] .) (See Bracket Front Drive Shaft (RH) Installation Note [SKYACTIV-G 2.5T].)
10	Bracket No. 1 (See Bracket No. 1 Removal Note [SKYACTIV-G 2.5T] .) (See OIL COOLER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [SKYACTIV-G 2.5T].) (See Bracket, Front Drive Shaft (RH) Installation Note [SKYACTIV-G 2.5] .) (See Bracket, Front Drive Shaft (RH) Installation Note [SKYACTIV-G 2.5T] .)
11	Transfer oil seal (RH) No. 1
12	Transfer oil seal (RH) No. 3