The CV axle on a Mazda connects the vehicle's transmission to the wheels. These axles translate the rotational motion from the transmission to rotational motion in the wheels, thus moving the car forward. The axle uses CV joints to allow the axle to articulate, and over time, these joints can fail. Some people will replace just the CV joint, but replacing the entire axle is sometimes more cost effective, and in some cases it's easier to find an entire axle.
Lift up the car using the jack, then put it down on jack stands. Unbolt the wheels from the car with the tire iron. Place the drain pan underneath the transmission and drain the transmission fluid from the system by unbolting the drain bolt using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Unbolt the speed sensor from the wheel using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket, then move the sensor out of the way.
Locate the dimple in the hub lock nut in the middle of the rotor. Pound out the dimple in the lock nut using the chisel and the hammer. Have your assistant hold down the brake pedal. Unbolt the lock nut from the axle using an open-end wrench.
Remove the cotter pin from the end of the tie rod using the needle-nose pliers and cotter pin puller. Unbolt the tie rod end from the steering knuckle and pull it out of the knuckle. Unbolt the sway bar end link from the lower control arm using an open-end wrench and the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket.
Unbolt the lower control arm from the steering knuckle using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Lift the steering knuckle off the lower ball joint. Hammer the backside of the steering knuckle off the CV axle, then pry the half shaft off the transmission using the pry bar. Remove the CV axle from the vehicle.
