2004 MAZDA MODEL B2300 TRUCK differential

STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to decrease the driver's effort in steering the vehicle.
To prevent damage to the power steering pump:
²Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left
for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
²Do not operate the vehicle with the power steering pump fluid level
below the MIN mark on the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
²Underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
²Uneven vehicle loading
²High crown in center of road
²High crosswinds
²Wheels out of alignment
²Loose or worn suspension components
TRACTION-LOK AXLE/LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL (IF EQUIPPED)
This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when
one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions, the
Traction-Lok axle functions like a standard rear axle.
PREPARING TO DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING: Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover
rate than other types of vehicles.
WARNING: In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is
significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a safety
belt.
Your vehicle has larger tires and increased ground clearance, giving the
vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger car.
Driving
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²Rear
Never use the differential as a
jacking point. It is too easy for
the vehicle to tilt or fall and you
can be injured.
7. Remove the wheel lug nuts with
the lug wrench.
8. Replace the flat tire with the
spare tire, making sure the valve
stem is facing outward. Reinstall
the lug nuts until the wheel is
snug against the hub. Do not fully tighten the lug nuts until the
wheel has been lowered.
9. Lower the wheel by turning the jack handle counterclockwise.
10. Remove the jack and fully
tighten the lug nuts, in the
order shown, to 135 Nm (100
lb-ft). Note that these tightening
specifications are for nut and
bolt threads that are free of dirt
and rust. Use only Mazda
recommended (1/2±20)
replacement fasteners.
11. Stow the flat tire. Refer to
Stowing the spare tire.
12. Stow the jack and lug wrench. Make sure the jack is fastened so it
does not rattle when you drive.
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Roadside Emergencies
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CHECKING AND ADDING REAR DIFFERENTIAL FLUID
1. Park the vehicle on a level
surface.
2. Engage the parking brake fully ±
put in first gear.
3. Assure the vehicle cannot move.
4. Clean the filler plug.
5. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
6. Fluid level should be at the
bottom of the opening.
7. Add enough fluid through the
filler opening so that the fluid
level is at the bottom of the
opening.
8. Install and tighten the fill plug
securely.
Use only fluid that meets Mazda specifications. Refer toLubricant
Specificationsin this chapter.
INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
New vehicles are fitted with tires
that have a rating on them called
Tire Quality Grades. The Quality
grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For
example:
²Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
These Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the United
States Department of Transportation has set.
Maintenance and Specifications
227