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Mazda 626 Troubles

2544 messages,  Last post on Apr 15, 2013 at 8:56 AM

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What is this discussion about? Mazda 626, Sedan




Messages Page 201 of 255

#2000 of 2544 1997 Mazda 626 drive axle replacement by czecho

Mar 08, 2006 (2:32 pm)

How difficult is it to change the drive axles on a 97 mazda 626, 4 cylinder, 5 speed trans? I know I can handle the part of the job at the wheels. How hard is it to get the shafts out of the manual transaxle? That's the part the scares me. Been quoted labor rates of $220 to $600. Is it worth the hassle of doing it myself to save $250??Thanks

#2001 of 2544 Re: 1997 Mazda 626 drive axle replacement [czecho] by alcan

Mar 08, 2006 (9:39 pm)

Replying to: czecho (Mar 08, 2006 2:32 pm)
Simple. Use a big pry bar or the straighter end of a crowbar and it pops right out.

#2002 of 2544 Re: 1997 Mazda 626 drive axle replacement [czecho] by p100

Mar 10, 2006 (9:56 pm)

Replying to: czecho (Mar 08, 2006 2:32 pm)
Some oil will leak out of the transaxle when you pull out the axle shafts. Be prepared to catch the oil by placing the pan under the transaxle. Alternately, to avoid this, you can drain the oil beforehand and then refill with fresh oil. Mechanics often use plastic plugs, which they insert into the tranaxle axle holes when they remove the axles. These plugs keep the oil from leaking out, so only very small amount of oil is lost. Auto parts stores sell a set of these plugs pretty cheap.
 
One thing to consider is replacement of axle seals in the trnasaxle when you change the axles. It is not difficult to do and can save you a lot of aggravation. To replace the seals, you need to pull the axles.
 
After you pull the axles and replace them, and bolt the steering knuckle to the front struts, have an alignment done on the car. The original geometry will be altered.

#2003 of 2544 Re: Water pump replacement probably something done very wrong by mechanic. Hel [fsteveb] by p100

Mar 10, 2006 (10:01 pm)

Replying to: fsteveb (Mar 02, 2006 12:09 pm)
Replacement of the rear main seal requires removal and reinstallation of the transaxle, so it is rather pricey. It is best to combine this seal replacement with the clutch replacement (if you have a manual) becuase esssentially all the work must be done as for clutch replacement. Replacing the rear main seal by itself should cost about $ 500 at a Mazda dealership. They quoted me $ 750 for the clutch replacement which included a $ 190 clutch kit.
 
As far as water pump replacement goes, $ 1000 is steep. Yes, you must remove and reinstall the timing belt to replace the pump and on my V6 engine you also need to support the the engine and remove the front engine mount. However, it should be about $ 500 job including the pump, which is new about $ 110 from Mazda. It is much easier to replace the pump on a 4 cylinder model than on the V6 due to more complicated timing belt routing on the V6 engine.

#2004 of 2544 Rear end noise by backy

Mar 12, 2006 (2:00 pm)

I would appreciate your ideas on what a rear-end noise on my 2000 626 could be. It happens when I go over a sharp bump and sounds a lot like something loose is rattling in the trunk. However, I've looked all throughout the trunk, tightened down the spare, removed the jack etc., and I still hear the sound. So I expect it might be from the suspension. Any ideas?
 
Also, I think the power lock actuator is going out. It makes a high-pitched noise when I lock the car, but it still works. Any ideas on the cost to repair it, when it eventually fails?
 
Thanks.

#2005 of 2544 Re: Rear end noise [backy] by mazda626atx

Mar 13, 2006 (8:59 pm)

Replying to: backy (Mar 12, 2006 2:00 pm)
Did you get the car on a lift and look underneath it. It might be something obvious that you can see, and anyone guessing with just with your description, would be doing that "just guessing".
  Have someone sit in the back seat when you go over a bump and maybe you can isolate it better.
Good Luck
PGP

#2006 of 2544 Re: Rear end noise [mazda626atx] by backy

Mar 13, 2006 (9:49 pm)

Replying to: mazda626atx (Mar 13, 2006 8:59 pm)
The car was looked over thoroughly during a complete (60k-style) service a few weeks ago, and nothing was found then. I've had people in the back seat but they haven't been able to narrow down the noise.

#2007 of 2544 Re: Rear end noise [backy] by twitme

Mar 14, 2006 (11:18 am)

Replying to: backy (Mar 13, 2006 9:49 pm)
I have something similar in my 2001 626...the mazda dealership said it was a loose bushing or something, not dangerous...and about $140 to fix. I've had other rattling in the rear end though as well, so it could be other things. my 626 has had a host of low-cost rear end noise issues, no idea why.

#2008 of 2544 Re: Rear end noise [twitme] by backy

Mar 14, 2006 (11:22 am)

Replying to: twitme (Mar 14, 2006 11:18 am)
Thanks for the reply!

#2009 of 2544 Re: Rear end noise [backy] by alcan

Mar 14, 2006 (7:45 pm)

Replying to: backy (Mar 12, 2006 2:00 pm)
Rear strut upper mounts.

Messages Page 201 of 255

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