Removal Note

CAUTION:

This operation disturbs the differential pinion bearing preload. Carefully reset the preload during assembly.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. See LIFTING .

Fig 1: Indexing Front Driveshaft And Pinion Flange
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Index-mark the front driveshaft and pinion flange.

Fig 2: Removing Drive Shaft
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
CAUTION:
- Do not allow the driveshaft to hang unsupported.
Disconnect the front driveshaft from the pinion flange, and position it aside.
1. Remove the bolts and the universal joint spider retainers.
2. Disconnect the front driveshaft from the pinion flange.
3. Position the front driveshaft aside.
Fig 3: Rotating Pinion Flange
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Measure the pinion bearing preload.
1. Using a Nm (inch-pound) torque wrench, measure the torque required to maintain pinion rotation. Record the measurement.
Fig 4: Indexing Pinion Flange And Pinion Stem
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Index-mark the pinion flange and the pinion stem.

Fig 5: Holding Pinion Flange While Removing Nut Using Special Tool (205-126)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Use the pinion flange holding tool SST to hold the pinion flange while removing the nut.

Fig 6: Removing Pinion Flange Using Special Tool (205-D072)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
CAUTION:
- Place a drain pan under the differential housing.
Using the 2 jaw puller SST , remove the pinion flange.
Inspect the pinion flange for burrs and damage. Inspect the end of the pinion flange that contacts the bearing cone, the nut counterbore, and the seal surface for nicks. Discard the pinion flange as necessary.