1998 Mazda Protege cv axle replacement

You would need to get the parts as factory installed.

For Protege engine mount removal is not mentioned in the removal procedures.

Nothing special about this drive axle and is similar to all makes.

I am being told by the after market parts store that the replacement does not have and does not need the intermediate shaft as was installed at the factory. I need to know from someone who has used an after market cv axle if this is the case. Other wise I am going to have to go to Mazda and pay three times as much for parts.

The intermediate shaft is for balancing both the shafts so that they have equal length. This eliminates torque steer, ie steering pulling to one side when accelerating as the difference in length would result in uneven weight of the shafts. If you can live with that, you can omit the intermediate shaft.

One other option is to replace the outer CV joint if that is the only part that is faulty and this would be much cheaper than the complete shaft.

Sounds good the outer boots are split and would be better if I replace the cv joint. If I do have to replace the whole axle this car is only driven in town short trips and the torque should not be an issue. Thanks Pete

You're welcome.

Good luck.