Ford Probe, Mazda 626 & MX6 FAQ

B) General Tools Required


General Tools Required

Sockets
    USA - Facom or Snap-On, UK BriTool. Ideally pick tools where the socket grips the flat of the nut rather than the edge of the nut (thus doesn't round them off and transmits more torque, thus better from an ergonomic perspective).

    10mm - 12pt - interior & underhood nuts, undertray plastic, battery terminals & cold air duct on radiator
    12mm - 6pt - airbox bolts & nuts, ABS connector fittings
    14mm - 6pt - high quality - strut top nuts, antiroll bar linkage nuts & bushing nuts/bolts
    14mm - 6pt deep - high quality - antiroll bar linkages & bushing nuts/bolts
    17mm - 6pt - high quality - suspension components, last tightened 50yrs ago
    19mm - 6pt - high quality - suspension components, last tightened 50yrs ago

Open/Closed Wrenches
    10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 17mm, 19mm

Extensions & Adaptors
    12" extension - spark-plugs & airbox bolts/nuts (car tool kit has spark-plug wrench)
    5" extension - general use
    1/2" & 3/8" - high quality - general use, spares in case one fails
    1/2" breaker bar - high quality - removes Ingersoll-Rand-T9000 tightened nuts

Torque Wrench
    Dial-type are more popular than the beam but verify quality. Do not drop a wrench or leave it set on a high setting for long, or use it as a breaker bar.

Ratchet
    Choose a ratchet as large a number of click-intervals in one rotation as possible. This provides good tactile feedback, easier/faster usage.

Oil Filter Wrench
    The ideal oil filter wrench is a dealer item or "cap wrench". These are a short socket-type wrench that fits on the end of the oil filter easing fitting & removal. The official Mazda item for USA filters only is 7.49$US from Trussville Mazda, Part # 49-G014-001.

Hydraulic Jack & Jack Stands
    Cheap £20/US$30 hydraulic jacks are unsuitable, with far too small jacking platforms. Instead source from a larger more stable unit from "Motor Factors"/trade/retail suppliers.

    Appropriate jack stands have a minimum of 2-tonne rating, large stance and wide flat U-top. They should only be used at the appropriate points only and on firm ground. Ensure your jack can lift high enough to get the stands under. Jack stands under suspension arms will crack & destroy the arms.


Ford Probe, Mazda 626 & MX6 FAQ

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