Spring Lock Coupling: Cleaning

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Mazda B4000, 2002 Mazda B3000, and 2002 Mazda B2300. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fabricate a cleaning tool from a 1/8 inch diameter brazing rod.

Fig 1: Fabricating A Cleaning Tool
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Cut an abrasive pad with the dimensions corresponding to the coupling size.

ABRASIVE PAD TO COUPLING SIZE

Coupling Size	Pad Size
3/8 inch	25 X 50 mm (1 X 2 inch)
1/2 inch	25 X 50 mm (1 X 2 inch)
5/8 inch	25 X 76 mm (1 X 3 inch)
3/4 inch	25 X 102 mm (1 X 4 inch)

Assemble the pad to the tool.

Fig 2: Assembling Pad To Tool
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Coat the abrasive pad with R134a refrigerant oil.
Roll the pad on the tool and install it in a variable speed motor drill.

Fig 3: Rolling Pad On Tool
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

CAUTION: Maintain low speed drill rotation when inserting or removing the cleaning tool to prevent axial scratches which may cause future leaks.

Polish for 1 minute at moderate speed (less than 1500 RPM) or until the surface is clean and free of scratches or debris.
Clean the fitting with a lint-free cloth.
Inspect the surface for grooves or scratches. If grooves and scratches are still present, replace the component.
Clean the O-ring grooves with a 300 mm (12 inch) length of natural fiber string.
1. Loop the string around the grooves and pull the string back and forth.
Fig 4: Cleaning O-Ring Grooves
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove any debris from the grooves with a lint-free cloth.