Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring. Manual - part 164

Fig. 2: Locating Dust Boot 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

FRONT DRIVE SHAFT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION 

1. Remove the side cover.  

2. Remove the front ABS wheel-speed sensor. (See FRONT ABS WHEEL-SPEED SENSOR 

REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)  

3. Remove in the order indicated in the table.  

4. Install in the reverse order of removal. 

CAUTION:



Performing the following procedures without first removing the ABS 
wheel-speed sensor may possibly cause an open circuit in the 
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 the vehicle is being serviced.  

 

2008 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 

2008 DRIVELINE/AXLES Drive Shaft - Mazda CX-9

  

Microsoft 

 

Sunday, November 15, 2009 9:50:57 AM

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Fig. 3: Identifying Front Drive Shaft Components & Torque Specifications 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

LOCKNUT REMOVAL NOTE 

1. Lock the hub by applying the brakes.  

2. Knock the crimped portion of the locknut outward using a small chisel and a hammer.  

3. Remove the locknut. 

 

2008 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 

2008 DRIVELINE/AXLES Drive Shaft - Mazda CX-9

  

Microsoft 

 

Sunday, November 15, 2009 9:50:57 AM

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Fig. 4: Tapping Locknut 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

FRONT DRIVE SHAFT REMOVAL NOTE 

1. Install a spare nut onto the drive shaft so that the nut is flush with the end of the drive shaft.  

2. Tap the nut with a copper hammer to loosen the drive shaft from the front wheel hub.  

3. Separate the drive shaft from the wheel hub. 

4. Separate the left side drive shaft from the transaxle by prying with a bar inserted between the outer ring 

and the transaxle, as shown in the figure. 

CAUTION:



The sharp edges of the drive shaft can slice or puncture the oil 
seal. Be careful when removing the drive shaft from the 
transaxle. 

Fig. 5: Tapping Drive Shaft 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

 

2008 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 

2008 DRIVELINE/AXLES Drive Shaft - Mazda CX-9

  

Microsoft 

 

Sunday, November 15, 2009 9:50:57 AM

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© 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. 

Fig. 6: Prying Dust Boot 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

5. Separate the right side drive shaft from the joint shaft by using the SSTs. 

Fig. 7: Separating Right Side Drive Shaft 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

CLIP INSTALLATION NOTE 

1. Install a new clip onto the drive shaft with the opening facing upward. Ensure that the diameter of the clip 

does not exceed the specification on installation.  

2. After installation, measure the outer diameter. If it exceeds the specification, repeat Steps 1-2 using a new 

clip. 

Clip outer diameter specification  

LH: 34.0 mm {1.34 in}  

RH (joint shaft): 34.0 mm {1.34 in} 

 

2008 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 

2008 DRIVELINE/AXLES Drive Shaft - Mazda CX-9

  

Microsoft 

 

Sunday, November 15, 2009 9:50:57 AM

Page 5 

© 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.