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Maintenance Guides

App shell scaffold with one example guide page.

Air filter replacement

Replace the Mazda MX-5 NB (1998-2005) engine air filter in the stock airbox, with notes for reusable/oiled panel filters and MAF-sensor risk control.

Difficulty:
Beginner
Time:
15-30 min

Coolant flush & refill

NB1/NB2 coolant drain-flush-refill procedure with conservative bleeding checks and mixture planning when some old coolant remains in the block.

Difficulty:
Intermediate
Time:
1.5-3 hours

Coolant hose inspection & replacement

Inspect and replace aging NB coolant hoses with emphasis on leak prevention, clamp strategy, and careful refill/bleed checks.

Difficulty:
Intermediate
Time:
2-4 hours

Engine compression test (periodic check)

How to run a repeatable compression test on Mazda MX-5 NB engines and interpret results conservatively before deeper diagnosis.

Difficulty:
Intermediate
Time:
45-90 min

Engine oil change (Oil & Filter)

Routine oil service to protect the BP engine and maintain hydraulic lifter performance.

Difficulty:
Beginner
Time:
45-60 min

Fuel filter replacement

Replace the Mazda MX-5 NB (1998-2005) fuel filter with emphasis on safe depressurization, NB quick-connect handling, and leak-proof verification.

Difficulty:
Intermediate
Time:
60-120 min

Radiator inspection (fins, tanks, leaks)

Routine radiator condition checks for MX-5 NB to catch aging plastic tanks, fin damage, and early coolant leaks before overheating events.

Difficulty:
Beginner
Time:
30-60 min

Spark plug replacement

Replace spark plugs on Mazda MX-5 NB (1998-2005) with careful thread handling, verified gap, and conservative torque practice.

Difficulty:
Beginner
Time:
45-75 min

Thermostat replacement

Replace the thermostat on Mazda MX-5 NB safely, with emphasis on correct orientation, sealing surfaces, and careful coolant refill/bleeding.

Difficulty:
Intermediate
Time:
1.5-3 hours

Timing belt replacement (1.6L and 1.8L)

NB-focused timing belt replacement workflow with emphasis on crank/cam timing alignment, crank pulley removal safety, and common no-start mistakes after reassembly.

Difficulty:
Advanced
Time:
4-7 hours

Valve cover gasket replacement

NB-focused cam/valve cover gasket replacement procedure, including gasket quality guidance and common optional while-you're-there checks.

Difficulty:
Intermediate
Time:
1-2 hours