Seal Ring Assembly Note

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mazda MPV. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Assemble the seal rings to the pinion shaft component.
Pull the SST over the pinion shaft component from both directions. This will correctly shape the seal ring.
Install the oil seal from the pinion shaft gear side.

Fig 1: Pulling SST Over Pinion Shaft Component From Both Directions
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.