Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Differentials & Drive Axles All sections

Differential: Removal & Installation Mazda RX-8 I

Differentials & Drive Axles 7 illustrations ~444 words

OIL SEAL (COMPANION FLANGE) REPLACEMENT

  1. Remove the rear differential. (See «REAR DIFFERENTIAL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-178165-S10298188272005061200000) .)
  2. Replace the oil seal (companion flange) referring to the rear differential disassembly/assembly procedure. (See «REAR DIFFERENTIAL DISASSEMBLY»(ref-178165-S18457927312005061200000) .) (See «REAR DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY»(ref-178165-S05981154472005061200000) .)
  3. Install the rear differential. (See «REAR DIFFERENTIAL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-178165-S10298188272005061200000) .)
CAUTIONPerforming the following procedures without first removing the ABS wheel-speed sensor may possibly cause an open circuit in the wiring harness if it is pulled by mistake. Before performing the following procedures, remove the ABS wheel-speed sensor (axle side) and fix it to an appropriate place where the sensor will not be pulled by mistake while servicing the vehicle.
  1. Drain the rear differential oil.
  2. Remove the middle pipe and main silencer. (See EXHAUST SYSTEM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)
  3. Remove the propeller shaft. (See PROPELLER SHAFT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)
  4. Remove the power plant frame. (See POWER PLANT FRAME REMOVAL NOTE.) (See POWER PLANT FRAME INSTALLATION NOTE.) (See POWER PLANT FRAME REMOVAL NOTE.) (See POWER PLANT FRAME INSTALLATION NOTE.)
  5. Remove in the order indicated. (Scheme 11)
  6. Install in the reverse order of removal.
  7. Add rear differential oil. (See «DIFFERENTIAL OIL REPLACEMENT»(ref-178165-S05594764022005061200000).)

Scheme 11

Scheme 11

Brake Caliper Component Removal Note

  1. Suspend the brake caliper component using a cable.
  2. Temporarily tighten the wheel nut to prevent the disc plate from falling off.

Scheme 12

Scheme 12

Rear Drive Shaft, Rear Knuckle Component Removal Note

  1. Insert a tire lever or equivalent between the rear differential and differential side outer ring, and remove the rear drive shaft. CAUTION: The sharp edges of the drive shaft can slice or puncture the oil seal. Be careful not to damage the oil seal when removing the drive shaft from the differential.
  2. Pull the rear drive shaft and rear knuckle component to the outer side, and detach the rear drive shaft from the rear differential.
  3. To hold the rear drive shaft and rear knuckle component, install the rear lateral link (upper) to the rear knuckle temporarily after disconnecting the rear drive shaft.

Scheme 13

Scheme 13
WARNINGIf the rear differential falls off, it can cause serious injuries or death, and damage to the vehicle. When removing/installing the rear differential, verify that it is supported securely with a jack.
  1. Remove or install the rear differential, while supporting it securely with a jack, and moving the jack gradually.

Scheme 14

Scheme 14

Scheme 15

Scheme 15: Rear Drive Shaft, Rear Knuckle Component Installation Note
  1. Install a new drive shaft clip to the clip groove at the top of the rear drive shaft with the clip opening facing upward and the clip width within the specification. Standard 32 mm (1.3 in)
  2. After installing the clip, measure the outer diametric if it exceeds the specification, reinstall a new clip.
  3. Apply differential oil to the differential oil seal lip. CAUTION: The sharp edges of the rear drive shaft can slice or puncture the oil seal Be careful not to damage the oil seal when installing the rear drive shaft from the rear differential.
  4. Insert the rear drive shaft into the rear differential with the clip opening facing upward.
  5. After installation, verify that the rear drive shaft is securely held by the clip by pulling the outer ring on the differential side towards the axle.
WARNINGThe engine stand is equipped with a self-lock mechanism, however, if the rear differential is tilted, the self-lock mechanism could become inoperative. If the rear differential unexpectedly rotates, it could cause injury, therefore do not maintain the rear differential tilted. When turning the rear differential, grasp the rotation handle firmly.
  1. Disassemble in the order indicated. (Scheme 16)

Scheme 16

Scheme 16
  1. Install the differential component to the SSTs.

Scheme 17

Scheme 17