Front CROSSMEMBER Removal/Installation: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 Mazda CX-5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special Service Tool (SST)

49 T028 3A0
Ball joint puller set

Courtesy of MAZDA

CAUTION:

Performing the following procedures could cause an open circuit in the front ABS wheel-speed sensor wiring harness if it is pulled by mistake. Before servicing, disconnect the front ABS wheel-speed sensor and set it aside so that the wiring harness will not be pulled by mistake.
Secure the steering wheel using tape or a cable to prevent the steering shaft from rotating after disconnecting the steering shaft. If the steering wheel rotates after the steering shaft and the steering gear and linkage are disconnected, the internal parts of the clock spring could be damaged.
Do not allow the dust boot of the front stabilizer control link to touch the body, the front shock absorber and coil spring, and the hand tool. Otherwise, the dust boot of the front stabilizer control link could be damaged.

Remove the wheels and tires. (See WHEEL AND TIRE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Disconnect the front ABS wheel-speed sensor wiring harness installed to the steering knuckle and set it aside. (See FRONT ABS WHEEL-SPEED SENSOR REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)

Fig 1: Removing Front ABS Wheel-Speed Sensor Wiring Harness
Courtesy of MAZDA
Remove the following parts:
1. Front under cover No. 2 (See FRONT UNDER COVER No. 2 REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
2. Front under cover No. 1 (See FRONT UNDER COVER No. 1 REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
3. Front splash shield (See SPLASH SHIELD REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Detach the tie-rod end from the steering knuckle using the SST. (See TIE-ROD END REPLACEMENT .)

Fig 2: Removing Tie-Rod End From Steering Knuckle Using SST
Courtesy of MAZDA
Disconnect the front lower arm ball joint from the steering knuckle. (See FRONT LOWER ARM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Remove the screws shown in the figure and partially peel back the front mudguard.

Fig 3: Locating Front Mudguard Screws
Courtesy of MAZDA
Remove the front crossmember extension.

Fig 4: Front Cross Member Extension And Bolts
Courtesy of MAZDA
Disconnect the front stabilizer control link (front stabilizer side).

Fig 5: Removing Front Stabilizer Control Link (Front Stabilizer Side)
Courtesy of MAZDA
Remove the insulator. (See EXHAUST SYSTEM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Disconnect the hanger rubber from the front crossmember and set it aside.

Fig 6: Removing Hanger Rubber From Front Cross Member
Courtesy of MAZDA
Remove the joint cover. (See STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Disconnect the intermediate shaft from the steering gear and linkage. (See STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Remove the bolt shown in the figure.

Fig 7: Engine Mount Rubber No 1, Front Cross Member And Bolt
Courtesy of MAZDA
Remove in the order indicated in the table.
Install in the reverse order of removal. (See SUSPENSION LINKS INSTALLATION NOTE .)
When replacing the front crossmember, inspect the wheel alignment and adjust it if necessary. (See FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT .)

Fig 8: Exploded View Of Front Wheel Alignment

Courtesy of MAZDA

COMPONENT DESCRIPTION

1	No. 1 engine mount rubber installation bolt (See No. 1 Engine Mount Rubber and Front Crossmember Component Installation Note .)
2	Front crossmember component (See Front Crossmember Component Removal Note .) (See No. 1 Engine Mount Rubber and Front Crossmember Component Installation Note .)
3	Front stabilizer (See FRONT STABILIZER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
4	Steering gear and linkage (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
5	Front lower arm (See FRONT LOWER ARM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
6	No. 1 engine mount rubber (See No. 1 Engine Mount Rubber and Front Crossmember Component Installation Note .)
7	Front crossmember