1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009

In the 1998 model year, Mazda renewed its B series for international markets. Production at the AutoAlliance Thailand plant began in May 1998. It has the chassis code UN. This model was also sold as the Ford Ranger in Europe and Asia and as the Ford Courier in Australia and New Zealand. Production also began that year at the Ford Motor Company Philippines plant. CKD versions were also assembled in South Africa and Ecuador. In March 2002 a 2892 cc (2.9-liter) version of the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter diesel engine was also developed and sold in "general markets" and the Gulf States as the B2900.The truck was sold in more than 130 countries under a variety of names. It was called the Fighter and Ranger in Southeast Asia—except in Singapore where it was called the Proceed—the Mazda Bounty and Ford Courier in New Zealand, the Mazda Bravo in Australia, and the Mazda Drifter in South Africa. The B2600/B2200s sold in Venezuela and nearby Latin American countries were assembled in Colombia by Compañía Colombiana Automotriz S.A. (CCA). They had a 2.6-liter inline-four engine, four-wheel-drive model and an entry level model with a 2.2-liter inline-four with rear-wheel-drive. In 2002, a "Freestyle" model with rear suicide doors became available on this platform. The rest of the range was revised in 2002 and 2004. These models are unrelated to the Mazda B-series and Ford Ranger models in North America.In Australia, in January 2005, the Courier received a 4.0 V6. It was available in GL (Super Cab and Double Cab) and XLT (Double Cab only) trims. The B series was released in September 2005, with the B4000 Bravo DX (Dual Cab only), DX+ (Freestyle and Dual Cab) and SDX (Freestyle and Dual Cab) trims being available.There were two fuel tank sizes available. For the 2WD Stretch Cab and Dual Cab, the fuel tank size is 63 L. For all 4WD models (and the 2WD Regular Cab), the fuel tank size

### Suspension Strut Tower Repair on Mazda Bravo Drifter B2600 B2500

#### Tools Needed:
1. **Socket Set (including 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, and 17mm sockets)**
2. **Torque Wrench**
3. **Pry Bar**
4. **Spring Compressor**
5. **Jack and Jack Stands**
6. **Hammer**
7. **Wrench Set**
8. **Cutting Tool (if necessary)**
9. **Safety Goggles**
10. **Gloves**
11. **Replacement Parts (if needed)**
- Strut assembly
- Strut mounts
- Bushings
- Nuts and bolts (if worn)

#### Safety Precautions:
1. **Wear Safety Goggles and Gloves:** Protect your eyes and hands from metal shards and other debris.
2. **Work on a Flat Surface:** Ensure the vehicle is parked on a stable surface.
3. **Use Jack Stands:** Never rely solely on a jack; always use jack stands for support.
4. **Disconnect Battery:** Avoid electrical shorts by disconnecting the battery before starting work.

#### Step-by-Step Repair Process:

1. **Preparation:**
- Park the vehicle on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
- Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.

2. **Lift the Vehicle:**
- Use a jack to lift the front of the vehicle.
- Secure with jack stands under the frame.

3. **Remove the Wheel:**
- Use a socket wrench to remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.

4. **Access the Strut Assembly:**
- Locate the strut assembly components. Remove any covers if necessary.

5. **Disconnect Strut from the Steering Knuckle:**
- Remove the bolt connecting the strut to the steering knuckle using the appropriate socket size (usually 17mm).
- Use a pry bar if necessary to separate the strut from the knuckle.

6. **Remove the Strut Assembly:**
- Locate the top strut mount bolts (usually 12mm or 14mm) and remove them using a socket.
- Carefully pull the strut assembly out from the bottom.

7. **Compress the Spring:**
- Place the spring compressor on the strut assembly and tighten it slowly to compress the spring.
- Ensure the spring is uniformly compressed and secure before proceeding.

8. **Remove the Strut Mount:**
- Unbolt the strut mount from the top of the strut assembly.
- Inspect the mount for wear; replace if necessary.

9. **Replace Strut Components:**
- If the strut is damaged, replace it with a new one.
- If the mount or bushings are worn, replace them as well.

10. **Reassemble the Strut:**
- Install the new strut mount onto the strut.
- Carefully remove the spring compressor and ensure the spring is seated properly.

11. **Reinstall the Strut Assembly:**
- Insert the strut back into its original position.
- Reattach the top bolts (torque to manufacturer's specifications).

12. **Reconnect to Steering Knuckle:**
- Align the strut with the steering knuckle and insert the bolt.
- Tighten to specified torque.

13. **Reattach the Wheel:**
- Place the wheel back on and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
- Lower the vehicle and torque the lug nuts to specifications.

14. **Reconnect Battery:**
- Reconnect the negative terminal of the battery.

15. **Test Drive:**
- Take a short test drive to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
- Listen for any unusual noises and check for proper alignment.

#### Common Pitfalls to Avoid:
- **Not Compressing the Spring Properly:** Ensure the spring compressor is securely attached. Failure to do so can result in injury.
- **Not Torqueing Bolts to Specification:** Always use a torque wrench to ensure the bolts are tightened to the correct specifications to avoid future failures.
- **Ignoring Worn Components:** Inspect all related components (strut mounts, bushings, etc.) and replace them if necessary to prevent future issues.

By following these steps and precautions, you'll ensure a safe and effective strut tower repair on a Mazda Bravo Drifter B2600 B2500.
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