Pic. 8.78. Mazda 3 refrigerant line: 1 - cooler tube No. 1; 2 - cooler tube No. 2; 3 - cooler tube No. 3; 4 - cooler tube No. 4; 5 - cooler hose (upper); 6 - cooler hose (lower)
Removing
Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
Discharge the coolant.
Remove the power steering reservoir.
Remove the expansion tank of the cooling system
Remove the throttle cable.
Remove the power steering hose bracket.
Remove in the order indicated in table. Avoid spilling oil from the compressor.
Attention! If moisture or impurities enter the cooling circuit, the cooling capacity of the circuit will be reduced and abnormal noise will be heard. Always plug open fittings after removing any parts of the refrigeration circuit to prevent moisture or impurities from entering the circuit.
Separation of the insulating joint
Pic. 8.79. Separation of pipes with an insulating joint
To disconnect pipes with an insulating joint, clamp the female side of the pipe with pliers or a similar tool, and then remove the connecting bolt or nut (pic. 8.79).
Pic. 8.80. Installing the Special Tool on the Spring Lock Clutch
Install the special tool on the spring lock coupling (pic. 8.80).
Insert the protruding element of the special tool until it stops into the holder, controlling the position of the protruding element through the viewing.
Use the tool to disconnect the male pipe or hose from the female part by pulling out the male part of the tube or hose.
Pic. 8.81. Separating the tubes
Attention! The male tube or hose can be easily detached from the female part by pulling it out while simultaneously pressing on the protruding element of the special tool (pic. 8.81).
Installation
Apply compressor oil to the o-rings and connect the tubes.
Tighten connections.
Tighten the insulating joint connection bolt by hand.
Pic. 8.82. Connection of pipes with an insulating joint
To connect tubing to an insulating joint, pinch the female side of the tubing with pliers or a similar tool, and then tighten the connecting bolt or nut with a torque wrench (pic. 8.82).
Attach the male tube or hose by screwing it into the female part until the spring on the male tube is past the female tube flare.
Perform a performance test on the refrigeration circuit.
Note. When replacing a male tube or hose, the appearance of an indicator ring after connection indicates that the connection is blocked.