Automatic Transaxle Removal/Installation: Notes

CAUTION:

• 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. Secure the steering wheel using tape or a cable to prevent the steering shaft from rotating after disconnecting the steering shaft.

1. Remove the battery cover. (See BATTERY REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
3. Remove the aerodynamic under cover. (See AERODYNAMIC UNDER COVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
4. Remove the front splash shield. (See SPLASH SHIELD REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
5. Drain the ATF. (See AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID (ATF) REPLACEMENT .)
6. Perform disconnection/removal of the parts around the engine.
   1. Remove the battery. (See BATTERY REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
   2. Remove the battery tray. (See BATTERY REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
   3. Remove the air cleaner component. (See INTAKE-AIR SYSTEM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
   4. Remove the windshield wiper arm and blade. (See WINDSHIELD WIPER ARM AND BLADE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
   5. Remove the cowl grille. (See COWL GRILLE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
   6. Remove the cowl panel. (See COWL PANEL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
   7. Protect the windshield using tape.
      Fig 1: Protecting Windshield Using Tape

      Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
   8. Disconnect the exhaust manifold from the hanger rubber and set it out of the way.
      Fig 2: Identifying Exhaust Manifold And Hanger Rubber

      Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
   9. Disconnect the selector cable from the transaxle. (See AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE SHIFT MECHANISM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
   10. Remove the insulator from the transaxle.
       Fig 3: VSS Insulator And Bolts With Torque Specification

       Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
   11. Disconnect the connector and wiring harness from the transaxle.
   12. Remove the bracket from the transaxle.
       Fig 4: Transaxle Bracket And Bolts With Torque Specification

       Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
   13. Disconnect the oil hose from the transaxle. (See OIL COOLER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
   14. Disconnect the oil cooler from the transaxle with the water hose connected, and set it out of the way.
   15. Remove the oil filler tube.
       Fig 5: Oil Filler Tube And Bolt With Torque Specification

       Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
   16. Remove the starter. (See STARTER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
7. Perform disconnection/removal of the parts around the front axle.
   1. Remove the front wheels and tires. (See GENERAL PROCEDURES (FRONT AND REAR AXLES) .)
   2. Disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor from the steering knuckle. (See FRONT ABS WHEEL-SPEED SENSOR REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
   3. Disconnect the brake hose from the shock absorber. (See BRAKE HOSE (FRONT) REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
   4. Disconnect the tie-rod end from the steering knuckle. (See WHEEL HUB, STEERING KNUCKLE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
   5. Disconnect the front lower arm from the steering knuckle. (See WHEEL HUB, STEERING KNUCKLE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
   6. Disconnect the stabilizer control link from the shock absorber. (See WHEEL HUB, STEERING KNUCKLE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
   7. Disconnect the drive shaft (LH) from the transaxle. (See DRIVE SHAFT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
   8. Disconnect the drive shaft (RH) from the joint shaft. (See DRIVE SHAFT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
   9. Remove the joint shaft. (See JOINT SHAFT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
8. Install the SST using the following procedure. 
   Fig 6: Identifying SST And Front Foot No. 2

   Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
   CAUTION:

   • For the basic SST operation, refer to the instruction manual supplied with the SST.
   1. Install the front foot No. 2 to the left and right front shafts of the SST  .
   2. Remove the plug hole plate. (See PLUG HOLE PLATE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
   3. Remove the No. 1 reserve tank installation nuts.
      Fig 7: No. 1 Reserve Tank Installation Nuts With Torque Specification

      Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
   4. Disconnect the No. 1 reserve tank with the hose connected, and set it out of the way.
   5. As shown below, set the rear shafts of the SST  to the left and right shock absorber upper bolts.
      Fig 8: Setting Rear Shafts Of SST To Left And Right Shock Absorber Upper Bolts

      Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
   6. As shown below, set the front foot No. 2 groove of the SST  to the folded part of the left and right body frames.
      Fig 9: Setting Front Foot No. 2 Groove Of SST To Folded Part Of Left And Right Body Frames

      Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
   7. Adjust the height of the left and right side bars of the SST so that they are leveled, then tighten each part. 
      Fig 10: Adjusting Height Of Left And Right Side Bars Of SST

      Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
   8. Apply tension to the chain to secure the engine.
9. Remove in the order shown below.
   WARNING:

   • Do not allow the transaxle to fall off the transmission jack.
   CAUTION:

   • Do not tilt the transaxle to the torque converter side when removing it so that the torque converter and transaxle do not separate.
10. Install in the reverse order of removal.
11. Add ATF. (See AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID (ATF) REPLACEMENT .)
12. Perform the following tests: (See MECHANICAL SYSTEM TEST .) (See ROAD TEST .)

Servicing item	Test item
	Line pressure test	Stall test	Time lag test	Road test
Transaxle replacement	(1)	-	-	-
Transaxle overhaul	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
Torque converter replacement	(1)	(1)	-	-
Oil pump replacement	(1)	-	-	-
Clutch replacement	(1)	-	(1)	(1)
(1) Test after servicing each item

Fig 11: Exploded View Of Automatic Transaxle With Torque Specifications

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.