Preparations:
- Ensure the vehicle is safely lifted and supported on a stable surface, such as jack stands. Use proper safety precautions when working under the vehicle.
- Gather your necessary tools, including a set of wrenches, sockets and ratchet, pry bars, and a flat-head screwdriver.
Removing Half Shaft Assembly:
1. Locate Snap Ring:
- Find the differential inner CV joint housing on the driver's side of the vehicle. It's connected to the transmission. The snap ring is located within a groove on the housing.
2. Remove Wheel and Axle Nut:
- Remove the wheel on the driver's side.
- Behind the wheel, locate the axle nut that secures the half shaft to the wheel hub. Loosen and remove the axle nut.
3. Disconnect Stabilizer Bar Link:
- Locate the stabilizer bar link connected to the lower control arm. Remove the bolt and nut securing the link, and disconnect it from the control arm.
4. Separate Ball Joint from Knuckle:
- Next, you'll need to separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle. You may need a pry bar or specialized ball joint separator tool to safely pry apart the connection.
5. Remove Control Arm Bolts:
- Locate and remove the bolts holding the control arm in place. This should give you more room to work on the half shaft.
6. Free the Half Shaft:
- Gently pry the control arm down to create space. Insert a pry bar between the half shaft and the differential housing to free the shaft.
Releasing the Snap Ring:
1. Access Snap Ring:
- Once you've freed the half shaft, you'll be able to access the snap ring more easily.
2. Pry Open the Ring:
- Using a flat-head screwdriver or a specialized snap ring tool, carefully pry open the snap ring. Make sure to pry against the ring's tabs, not the housing itself.
3. Extract Snap Ring:
- Once the snap ring is open, use a pair of pliers or your fingers to remove it completely from the housing.
4. Slide Half Shaft Out:
- With the snap ring removed, you can slide the half shaft assembly out of the differential inner CV joint housing.
5. Inspect and Prepare for Reassembly:
- Inspect the half shaft, CV joints, and other components for any damage or excessive wear. Replace any faulty components as needed.
- Clean and inspect the differential inner CV joint housing before reinstalling the half shaft.
Reinstallation:
- Once any repairs or replacements are made, reassemble the half shaft assembly and its components in the reverse order of disassembly.
- Be sure to properly secure the snap ring and all bolts, nuts, and connections during reassembly.
Remember to follow any additional instructions or specifications provided in the Mazda Millenia service manual for your specific vehicle.
