2007 MAZDA MODEL B-SERIES suspension

U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)
Both U.S. and Canada Federal regulations require tire manufacturers to
place standardized information on the sidewall of all tires. This
information identifies and describes the fundamental characteristics of
the tire and also provides a U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number for
safety standard certification and in case of a recall.
This begins with the letters “DOT” and indicates that the tire meets all
federal standards. The next two numbers or letters are the plant code
designating where it was manufactured, the next two are the tire size
code and the last four numbers represent the week and year the tire was
built. For example, the numbers 317 mean the 31st week of 1997. After
2000 the numbers go to four digits. For example, 2501 means the 25th
week of 2001. The numbers in between are identification codes used for
traceability. This information is used to contact customers if a tire defect
requires a recall.
Tire Replacement Requirements
Your vehicle is equipped with tires designed to provide a safe ride and
handling capability.WARNING: Only use replacement tires and wheels that are the
same size and type (such as P-metric versus LT-metric or
all-season versus all-terrain) as those originally provided by
Mazda. Use of any tire or wheel not recommended by Mazda can
affect the safety and performance of your vehicle, which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, personal injury and death. Additionally the use of
non-recommended tires and wheels could cause steering,
suspension, axle or transfer case/power transfer unit failure. If
you have questions regarding tire replacement, see an
authorized dealer.
Important: Remember to replace the wheel valve stems when the road
tires are replaced on your vehicle.
It is recommended that the two front tires or two rear tires generally be
replaced as a pair.
The tire pressure sensors mounted in the wheels (originally installed on
your vehicle) are not designed to be used in aftermarket wheels.
The use of wheels or tires not recommended by Mazda Motor
Corporation may affect the operation of your Tire Pressure Monitoring
System.
REVIEW COPY ——
2007 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) (own2002),Market:Canadian_French (fr_can)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
111

at a Mazda dealer. Front wheel drive (FWD) vehicles and those with an
independent rear suspension require alignment of all four wheels.
The tire should also be balanced periodically. An unbalanced tire and
wheel assembly may result in irregular tire wear.
NOTE:When it is time to replace front tires with new ones, this is an
ideal time to perform an alignment. New tires should be balanced at the
time they are installed.
Tire rotation
Rotating your tires at the recommended interval (as indicated in the
Scheduled maintenance section of theMaintenance and
Specifications chapter) will help your tires wear more evenly, providing
better tire performance and longer tire life.
• Front Wheel Drive (FWD)
vehicles (front tires at top of
diagram)
REVIEW COPY ——
2007 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) (own2002),Market:Canadian_French (fr_can)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
113

SNOW TIRES AND CHAINSWARNING: Driving too fast for conditions creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control. Driving at very high speeds
for extended periods of time may result in damage to vehicle
components.
NOTE: Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. If you need to use snow tires and chains, it is
recommended that steel wheels are used of the same size and
specifications as those originally installed.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
• Do not use tire chains on aluminum wheels. Chains may chip the
wheels.
• Use only SAE Class S chains.
• Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
Drive cautiously. Ensure you obtain the proper cables or chains
for you vehicle. Test fit the cables or chains before using them in
snow and/or ice. If you hear the cables or chains rub or bang
against the vehicle, stop and retighten them. If this does not
work, remove the cables or chains to prevent vehicle damage.
Have the cables or chains fitted by a professional before
proceeding.
• If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
• Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dry roads.
• The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and chains.
VEHICLE LOADING – WITH AND WITHOUT A TRAILER
This section will guide you in the proper loading of your vehicle and/or
trailer, to keep your loaded vehicle weight within its design rating
capability, with or without a trailer. Properly loading your vehicle will
provide maximum return of vehicle design performance. Before loading
REVIEW COPY ——
2007 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) (own2002),Market:Canadian_French (fr_can)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
124

Special loading instructions for owners of pickup trucks and
utility-type vehiclesWARNING: For important information regarding safe operation
of this type of vehicle, see the Preparing to drive your vehicle
section in the Drivingchapter of this Owner’s Manual.
WARNING: Loaded vehicles may handle differently than
unloaded vehicles. Extra precautions, such as slower speeds and
increased stopping distance, should be taken when driving a
heavily loaded vehicle.
Your vehicle can haul more cargo and people than most passenger cars.
Depending upon the type and placement of the load, hauling cargo and
people may raise the center of gravity of the vehicle.
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle may tow a class I, II or III trailer provided the maximum
trailer weight is less than or equal to the maximum trailer weight listed
for your engine and rear axle ratio on the following charts.
Your vehicle’s load capacity is designated by weight, not by volume, so
you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading a vehicle.
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components carefully after any towing operation.
4x2 w/manual transmission
Engine Rear axle ratioMaximum
GCWR - lb. (kg) Maximum
trailer
weight - lb. (kg) Maximum
frontal area of trailer - ft
2(m2)
Regular Cab
2.3L All 4,800 (2,177) 1,580 (717) Equal to frontal areaof vehicle
3.0L* 3.73 6,000 (2,722) 2,660 (1,207) 50 (4.64)
3.0L* Dual
Sport 4.10 6,000 (2,722) 2,520 (1,143) 50 (4.64)
REVIEW COPY ——
2007 B-Series
(mbs), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) (own2002),Market:Canadian_French (fr_can)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
131

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:
•Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left
for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
• Do not operate the vehicle with the power steering pump fluid level
below the MIN mark on the reservoir.
• Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive, check
for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your
authorized dealer.
• Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by low power steering
pump fluid level. Check for low power steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your authorized dealer.
• Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the MAX mark on
the reservoir, as this may result in leaks from 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:
• Underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
• Uneven vehicle loading
• High crown in center of road
• High crosswinds
• Wheels out of alignment
• Loose or worn suspension components
TRACTION-LOK AXLE (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. The axle may
exhibit a slight noise or vibration in tight turns with low vehicle speed.
This is normal behavior and indicates the axle is working.
REVIEW COPY ——
2007 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) (own2002),Market:Canadian_French (fr_can)
Driving
149

Maintenance ItemMaintenance Interval (Number of months or Miles (km),
whichever comes first)
Months 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48
x 1000 miles 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 (x 1000 km) (8) (16) (24) (32) (40) (48) (56) (64) (72) (80) (88) (96)
Caliper slide rails LLL L
Drum brake system, lines and hoses I II I
Exhaust system for leaks, damage,
looseness II
Manual transmission fluid
Automatic
transmission fluid *2
I I
Exhaust system shielding (for
trapped material) II
Propeller shaft U-joints (if equipped
with grease fittings) LLLLLL
Parking brake system (for damage
and operation) III I
Ball joints (4x2) I/L I/L I/L I/L
Transfer case fluid (4x4) Replace every 150,000 miles (240,000 km)
Rear axle lubricant Does not require replacement unless rear axle
submerged in water
Accessory drive belts
Fuel filter *5R R
Steering linkage, ball joints,
suspension and driveshaft III I
*1 The wheel lug nuts must be retightened to the proper specifications at
500 miles (800 km) of new vehicle operation, at any wheel change, or at any
other time the wheel lug nuts have been loosened. Refer to Wheel Lug Nut
Torque Specification in theTires, Wheels and Loading chapter for the proper
lug nut torque specification.
*2 Replace every 150,000 miles (240,000 km) unless submerged in water.
*3 At 60,000 miles (96,000 km), the dealer will replace the PCV valve at no cost,
except Canada and California vehicles.
*4 Refer to vehicle emission control information label for spark plug and gap
specifications.
*5 The California Air Resources Board has determined that the failure to perform
this maintenance item will not nullify the emission warranty nor limit recall
liability prior to completion of the vehicle’s useful life.
REVIEW COPY ——
2007 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) (own2002),Market:Canadian_French (fr_can)
Maintenance and Specifications
209

Maintenance ItemMaintenance Interval (Number of months or Miles (km),
whichever comes first)
Months 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 92 96
x 1000 miles 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 (x 1000 km) (104)(112)(121)(128)(136)(144)(152)(160)(168)(176)(184) (192)
Automatic
transmission fluid *2
I I
Exhaust system shielding (for
trapped material) II
Propeller shaft U-joints (if equipped
with grease fittings) LLLLLL
Parking brake system (for damage
and operation) III I
Ball joints (4x2) I/L I/L I/L I/L
Transfer case fluid (4x4) Replace every 150,000 miles (240,000 km)
Rear axle lubricant Does not require replacement unless rear axle
submerged in water
Accessory drive belts I
Fuel filter *5R R
Steering linkage, ball joints,
suspension and driveshaft III I
*1 The wheel lug nuts must be retightened to the proper specifications
at 500 miles (800 km) of new vehicle operation, at any wheel change, or
at any other time the wheel lug nuts have been loosened. Refer to
Wheel
Lug Nut Torque Specification in theTires, Wheels and Loading
chapter for the proper lug nut torque specification.
*2 Replace every 150,000 miles (240,000 km) unless submerged in water.
*3 At 60,000 miles (96,000 km), the dealer will replace the PCV valve at
no cost, except Canada and California vehicles.
*4 Refer to vehicle emission control information label for spark plug and
gap specifications.
*5 The California Air Resources Board has determined that the failure to
perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emission warranty nor
limit recall liability prior to completion of the vehicle’s useful life.
REVIEW COPY ——
2007 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) (own2002),Market:Canadian_French (fr_can)
Maintenance and Specifications
211