Important update to Paul Grazier's tech article M5OD Mazda Design Manual Five Speed Transmission Preventative Measure
When I removed the shift lever I noticed the plastic collars that the shifter bolt pivots in were destroyed. Also the rubber seals in the top plate that holds the shifter in were destroyed so I had more than one leak. When I went to ford to order the top and bottom plastic shift collars (seats) the top one was part number 7228 and cost $13.62. The bottom one was part of the hardened steel shift pivot bolt assembly (7222) and was $290.00!!! I called a local tranny shop and was told the plastic seats were identicle and just order another of the top seat. This proved true and saved me $280.00!! She shifts like a new girl now, I'm a happy boy, and can now clean that damned oil spot off my driveway.