Removal and Installation

WARNING:

Do not smoke or carry an open flame of any type when working on or near any fuel-related component. Highly flammable mixtures are always present and may be ignited, resulting in possible personal injury.

Drain the fuel tank. For additional information, Refer to FUEL TANK DRAINING .
Remove the left rear wheel.

Fig 1: Removing Rivets & Fuel Tank Filler Tube Shield
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the rivets and the fuel tank filler tube shield.

Fig 2: Disconnecting Fuel Tank Filler Hose & Fuel Tank Filler Vent Hose From Fuel Filler Tube
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the fuel tank filler hose and the fuel tank filler vent hose from the fuel filler tube.
Remove the muffler. For additional information, for 2.0L Zetec engine, Refer to MUFFLER AND TAILPIPE or for 3.0L (4V) engine, Refer to MUFFLER AND TAILPIPE .
On 4WD vehicles, remove the driveshaft. For additional information, Refer to DRIVESHAFT .

Fig 3: Removing Differential Mounting Bracket-To-Subframe Mounting Bolt
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the differential mounting bracket-to-subframe mounting bolt.

Fig 4: Removing Rear Differential Mass Damper
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the rear differential mass damper.
1. Remove the bolts.
2. Remove the rear differential mass damper.
  
  Fig 5: Disconnecting Electrical Connector
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
3. Disconnect the electrical connector.
4. Using a suitable jack, support the rear differential assembly.
  
  Fig 6: Positioning Axle Assembly Rearward
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
5. Position the axle assembly rearward.
1. Remove the differential-to-bracket bolts.
2. Loosen the differential mounting bracket-to-subframe mounting bolts, rotate the brackets and position the axle assembly rearward.
Use a suitable jack to support the fuel tank.

Fig 7: Disconnecting Vapor Hose
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the vapor hose.

Fig 8: Disconnecting Pin-Type Retainer
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the pin-type retainer from the fuel tank strap and position the parking brake cable aside.

Fig 9: Removing Fuel Tank Straps
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
NOTE:
- For 4WD vehicles, it will be necessary to disconnect a wiring harness clip from the fuel tank strap.
Remove the bolts and the fuel tank straps.

Fig 10: Removing Fuel Tank
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Lower and remove the fuel tank.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.
1. Use the Heavy-Duty Riveter to install the rivets.