Variable Valve Timing Actuator Removal/Installation

1. Insert a suitable bolt (M6 X 1.0, length 25-35 mm {0.99-1.3 in})  into the engine front cover upper blind plug and tighten it until it contacts the chain tensioner arm, and then rotate it back one turn. (Set the bolt slightly away from the chain tensioner arm so that it does not contact it.)
   Fig 4: Timing Chain Mounting Bolt With Torque Specifications

   Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
2. Using the cast hexagon on the exhaust camshaft, apply force counterclockwise to facilitate unlocking the chain tensioner ratchet.
3. Using a Hex bit socket (2.5 mm {0.098 in}) or T15 Torx bit socket, unlock the chain tensioner ratchet so that it can be lifted up.
   Fig 5: Chain Tensioner Ratchet Applied Force Direction

   Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
4. Using the cast hexagon on the exhaust camshaft, apply force in the direction of the engine rotation to increase tension on the chain.
   Fig 6: Unlocking Chain Tensioner Ratchet

   Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
   Fig 7: Cast Hexagon Applied Force Direction

   Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
   NOTE:

   • The chain tensioner rack is compressed using the chain tension generated by applying force to the exhaust camshaft in the direction of the engine rotation.
   NOTE:

   • The racket has not been unlocked if the bolt cannot be pressed in approx. 5 mm {0.2 in}.
5. Screw in the bolt set in Step  1 approx. 5 mm {0.2 in} and secure the tensioner arm with the rack compressed.
   Fig 8: Bolt Dimensions

   Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
   Fig 9: Exhaust Camshaft Sprocket Bolt, Exhaust Camshaft Sprocket And Washer

   Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
   • If the tensioner arm cannot be secured, return the bolt to its original position and repeat the procedure from Step ( 3).

1. Mark the camshaft and variable valve timing actuator as shown in the illustration to make sure they are installed in their original position.
   Fig 13: Camshaft And Variable Valve Timing Actuator Mark

   Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
2. Secure the camshaft in a vise.
3. Loosen the variable valve timing actuator tightening bolt.
   Fig 14: Variable Valve Timing Actuator, Camshaft And Protection Plate

   Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

1. Secure the camshaft in a vise.
2. Align the marks of the camshaft and variable valve timing actuator.
3. Tighten variable valve timing actuator tightening bolt.

Tightening torque 69-75 N.m {7.1-7.6 kgf.m, 51-55 ft.lbf} 

Tightening procedure 

1. 5.0-9.0 N.m {51-91 kgf.cm, 45-79 in.lbf} 

2. 14-17 N.m {1.5-1.7 kgf.m, 11-12 ft.lbf} 

Tightening torque 69-75 N.m {7.1-7.6 kgf.m, 51-55 ft.lbf} 

• If not aligned, loosen the camshaft sprocket bolt and repeal the procedure from Step  35.
  Fig 21: Fixing Exhaust Camshaft Using Wrench

  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Tightening torque 18-22 N.m {1.9-2.2 kgf.m, 14-16 ft.lbf} 

Tightening torque 8-11 N.m {82-117 kgf.cm, 71-101 in.lbf} 

Fig 23: Engine Front Cover Upper Blind Plug

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Tightening torque 10-14 N.m {102-142 kgf.cm, 89-123 in.lbf} 

Fig 24: Engine Front Cover Lower Blind Plug

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.