How to Replace an EGR Valve in a Mazda Tribute
by Dan Ferrell
The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve on your Mazda Tribute allows certain amount of exhaust gases to enter the intake system. This helps lower exhaust emissions. The valve uses engine vacuum to operate a diaphragm, which may get stuck or punctured after years of service. To keep the system working properly, replace the EGR valve.
Remove the EGR Valve
Step 1
Locate the EGR valve around the top of the engine. It is a flat and round metal valve, between 2 and 3 inches in diameter.
Step 2
Detach the vacuum hose from the top of the valve with your hand.
Step 3
Raise the front of your Mazda vehicle using a floor jack. Place a jack stand under the frame on each side of the vehicle to support it.
Step 4
Detach the engine splash shield from underneath the front of the car using a ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.
Step 5
Disconnect the EGR tube from the exhaust manifold. This tube is connected between the EGR valve and the exhaust manifold. Unscrew the retaining nut using a tube wrench.
Step 6
Remove the air cleaner outlet pipe from the air cleaner assembly using a screwdriver.
Step 7
Disconnect the EGR tube from the EGR valve. Use the tube wrench to unscrew the retaining nut.
Step 8
Unscrew the two EGR valve retainer bolts using the ratchet, ratchet extension and socket. Lift the valve off the engine and discard the gasket.
Install the New EGR Valve
Step 1
Clean the engine sealing surface of any gasket material using a plastic scraper. A metal scraper may damage to soft sealing surface and lead to exhaust leaks.
Step 2
Set the new EGR valve in place along with a new gasket and start the two mounting screws by hand to avoid thread damage. Then tighten the bolts using the ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.
Step 3
Connect the new EGR tube to the bottom of the valve. Start the retaining nut by hand but do not tighten it yet.
Step 4
Connect the other end of the EGR tube to the exhaust manifold. Start the retaining nut by hand, then tighten it using the tube wrench.
Step 5
Tighten the EGR tube-retaining nut at the valve using the tube wrench.
Step 6
Replace the air cleaner outlet pipe on the air cleaner assembly using the screwdriver.
Step 7
Attach the splash engine shield to the bottom of the engine using the ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.
Step 8
Lower the vehicle.
Step 9
Connect the vacuum hose to the top of the EGR valve by hand.
Things You'll Need
- Tube wrench
- Ratchet and socket
- Ratchet extension
- Screwdriver
- New EGR valve gasket
- New EGR exhaust tube
Warnings
- The exhaust system on your Mazda Tribute reaches very high temperatures in a matter of minutes. When working on any part of the engine compartment, make sure the exhaust system and other components are cool to touch to avoid serious skin burns and other injuries.
Writer Bio
Since 2003 Dan Ferrell has contributed general and consumer-oriented news to television and the Web. His work has appeared in Texas, New Mexico and Miami and on various websites. Ferrell is a certified automation and control technician from the Advanced Technology Center in El Paso, Texas.
