14 November 2020 I started by stripping things off the engine to get it ready to lift off the subframe and also getting ready to separate the powerplant frame. Alternator, starter motor and power steering pump unbolted easily. I had already undone the connectors for the starter motor, alternator and oil pressure switch, gearbox neutral switch, reverse gear swith and speed sensor (for the speedometer. I released this last piece of loom from the powerplant frame. I went through this loom and the main engine loom to make sure I had identified all the connectors I need to send off to Canems for them to build my engine loom to go with the ECU. Drained the engine and gearbox oils. 15 November 2020 Spent some time stripping the bumper and spats off the donor (hoping to sell them for a bit of cash). The shell is now ready to go to the scrapyard. Moved a few more of the bulky items into the shed out of my way and also moved the petrol tank and steering column up into the storage space. Back to dismantling. I decided to start at the rear to get that out of the way. I jacked the rear subframe up, supported it on 4 axle stands and removed the wheels. I stripped out the rear damper assemblies and unbolted the rear anti roll bar. The notoriously difficult lower wishbone bolt, which holds the hub assembly to the wishbone, were thankfully quite straightforward. After I had loosened the nut I applied an impact wrench to the bolt and with lots more penetrating fluid I was able to get it to turn in the bush and then I was able to drift it out witht a 3/8” extension bar. I unbolted the wishbones from the subframe, I marked them up so I know where they come from. Next I wanted to dismantle the power plant frame, the front bolts came out easily and the rear bolts came out with a bit more persuasion from a long breaker bar. However the lower spacer wasn't coming out, no matter how I tried to lever it or hit it with a cold chisel (as advised in the workshop manual). So I unbolted the propshaft bolts and removed the front of the powerplant frame that allowed me to turn the rear subframe over and get to the spacer more easily. I was able to move it a bit with the chisel and hammer but I couldn't get it out fully. However, the bit of movement allowed me to get the powerplant off the diff and then I used my vice to press the spacer out. I unbolted and removed the differential and looking at them, the mounts were well past their best. I have new ones on order along with a full set of suspension bushes and new engine mounts. Finally for today I unbolted the final hard line that is clipped to the subframe. The rear subframe, wishbones and anti-roll bar are now ready to be blasted and powder coated. With my previous experience of working on older cars it's been surprisingly straightforward with the Mazda, I think the liberal application of penetrating fluid at the start and also during the dismantling process has helped avoid seized nuts and bolts.
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