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Mazda 626 Troubles

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

You are in the Mazda 626 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Mazda 626, Sedan




Messages Page 82 of 256

#803 of 2544 IMA Whiner by jonbgood

Nov 19, 2001 (7:47 am)

Dittos on what windowphobe6 just posted. My 1999 Mazda 626 manual is silent on transmission servicing other than "add fluid when not in the cross hatches range". I've called two Mazda dealers and got two different approaches - one said bring it in and lets flush - the other said flush and you'll be sorry - we only change the fluid in the pan. I'm going that route since that is the local dealer and I'm under a 100k warranty. Everybody seems to agree that if you do nothing (like the manual seems to suggest) you'll be sorry. Sounds like lousy engineering to me.

#804 of 2544 Timing belt service costs by jonbgood

Nov 19, 2001 (7:49 am)

My local Mazda dealer wants $450 for a timing belt change. This sounds outrageous to me! When I told him about costs I'd seen on this msg board he scoffed. He said there is a good half day labor on that job. Any input out there?

#805 of 2544 jonbgood by maltb

Nov 19, 2001 (8:50 am)

According to the Mitchell estimating guide
4cyl = 2.5 hrs & $40 belt
6cyl = 4.0 hrs & $60 belt
 
I'm not sure what area of the country you are in, but it seems that that your dealers labor rate is on the high side. Your best bet is to call 3-4 dealers and see where the prices fall.

#806 of 2544 Windowphobe6 and Tranny oil changes. by mrdetailer

Nov 19, 2001 (10:10 am)

I'm lucky I guess, I found an independent mechanic who worked for 20 years on Mazdas and Fords. His view of a manual transmission is to replace the fluid every 30,000 miles, and add an anti wear additive called Wearguard. He also says that Lubegard (which can be purchased at NAPA auto parts) is an acceptible substitute.
 
My 1991 indicates that the manual can use Automatic or Standard transmission fluid. He always uses the automatic.
 
With the Automatics he recommends a drain and replacement every 15,000 miles, and also using the additives listed above.
 
He is adamate that if you follow this schedule, the transmission should last.

#807 of 2544 My own schedule by windowphobe6

Nov 19, 2001 (7:40 pm)

Two years or 24 months, whichever comes first.

#808 of 2544 Suspension Question by gstern1994

Nov 21, 2001 (11:14 am)

Hey- Quick question
 
I have a 97 626 ES Auto with 61K, and it rides very roughly. The alignment is perfect, no problems there - but the steering wheel vibrates at speed, in fact the left side of the car vibrates at 65 mph and above. Also, the car pitches when going over small bumps and expansion joints. Is it possible that my struts are shot this early on? Could my bearings be shot - causing all the vibrations? Any advice would be great. Thanks for all the help in advance.

#809 of 2544 tranny maintentenence by rayfbaird

Nov 22, 2001 (11:05 am)

24,000, or every other year should generally be fine.
 
I sure like synthetic in the tranny. Huge difference with 2 of my vehicles.
 
No sure about engine oils yet. One with a small hard working engine uses synthetic, my Mazda currently uses hydrocracked Valvoline Maxlife, and my old beater still uses a dino blend.

#810 of 2544 Suspension Questions by rayfbaird

Nov 22, 2001 (11:25 am)

My Mazda had almost all of the suspension components replaced last January due to wear and a small accident.
 
The only way to tell if the wheel bearings are shot is to take it into a shop. When they take the weight off of the wheel a bad bearing is noisy.
 
My repairman was a Mazda specialist at a dealer for 20 years before he set up an independent shop.
 
He said that the front struts on Mazdas are expected to last about 80,000 miles. The most obvious sign of strut wear is leakage. Check to see if it is bent out of shape as well. Failing to smooth the ride over those small bumps however may be a clear sign that replacement is needed. Again, a mechanic will be needed to let you know. I put premium shocks on the front and don't regret the extra $50.00. It's a better ride.
 
My son bought the Mazda I now own at 65,000 miles. It always vibrated just like you said. At 110K, after the above accident and all other repairs were made, it still vibrated at high speeds. It also wouldn't track straight. The core problem was that the ball joint was worn out. Since we had neglected it so long, the power control arm on that side was bad also. Have the mechanic definitely check the ball joints. It if had been repaired earlier it would have saved me a bundle.
 
Since we had neglected the repair so long we also had to replace the tires. A wheel alignment should also be considered.
 
I think that with the appropriate repair you can have a better ride than new.

#811 of 2544 What is the max anybody's gotten with a timing belt? by jonbgood

Nov 28, 2001 (3:44 pm)

I had my '99 626 (4cyl) transmission serviced today. ($65 incl tax - for a drain plug loosened up and new fluid put in - I'll do it myself from now on) I talked to the mechanic (20yrs + of Mazda exp) and he said that if it were his car he'd go longer than 60k on the timing belt. Any testimonials on this one way or the other?

#812 of 2544 Timing-belt intervals by windowphobe6

Nov 28, 2001 (5:57 pm)

Well, exactly the same belt is supposed to last 105,000 miles in California - the Assembly apparently thinks it can regulate the laws of physics, which explains much about the state's Air Quality Board - so presumably there's that much margin built into the belt, and therefore I don't think it's necessary to run to the shop the moment the mileage rolls past 59,999.

Messages Page 82 of 256

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