2013 Mazda 3 Belt Replacement - Skyactiv

After listening to some Belt Squeal for a few weeks it was time to swap out the belts for some new ones. The Continental belt did not last so I switched to Gates.
Tools and equipment used:
Gates Serpentine Belt - www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo....
Gates Stretch Belt - www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo....
Torque Wrench - amzn.to/3rARXKI
Socket extension - amzn.to/31sg57U
Breaker Bar - amzn.to/2PmcJ3E
Metric Sockets - amzn.to/3sBZ0nN
Metric Wrenches - amzn.to/3wdJJvw
Penetrant Spray - amzn.to/3dki6IQ
Axel Stand - amzn.to/3u5yx2h
Floor Jack - amzn.to/39qJdkg
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of DIYNorth, DIYNorth cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. DIYNorth assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. DIYNorth recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of DIYNorth, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not DIYNorth.

[@ronsmith9251]

This is by far the most thorough video on this process, thanks!

[@DIYNorth]

Thanks for checking it out and commenting.
Hope it helps you out.

[@jeandeaux2129]

Well done video----no bs, just right to the point. Thx for posting!

[@DIYNorth]

Thanks for checking it out

[@jdub976]

This was the same thing that happened to me. I went and bought the Continental belt thinking good quality and 1 year later it was cracked garbage. Had to do the job twice cause of that brand of belt. Never again. Thank for the video.

[@DIYNorth]

Thanks for checking out the video

[@melvinrivera95]

Ty for a good n instructional videos on this. It helped a lot for sure.

[@DIYNorth]

Thanks for checking it out.

[@melvinrivera95]

@@DIYNorth thanks for making it!

[@aliensky5982]

Great Video

[@DIYNorth]

Thanks for checking it out.

[@brianm.4243]

Same car and engine here, 135k miles on the original belts. No squeal yet, but the serpentine belt does have a ton of cracks in it. Not sure about the water pump belt, cant see it until I dig into it. Was thinking about changing them, even though they are performing fine, dealer quoted me something like $285 if I remember correctly. I would like to do it myself, but I don't have any tools, a jack or jack stands.

[@DIYNorth]

You should have a jack. It should be in the trunk with the spare tire. It just kind of sucks. You probably know someone with jack stands, but if not you can get a decent pair for $50 and they will last forever.
I'm not pushing you one way or the other, but even if you need to buy every single tool and the belts, I don't think that you would spend $150.

[@brianm.4243]

@@DIYNorth fair points. Although I wouldn't want to use the scissor jack, a floor jack would be so much more convenient, or even a bottle jack.

[@cinque8335]

Great video. I never changed the belts on mine yet so do I order the serpentine and the water pump stretch one? I found on Amazon both made by Good Year

[@DIYNorth]

Yes they are ordered separately

[@Lyoishi]

Any idea if this is an especially common issue on the 2013 skyactiv? My belt tension and alternator issues keep reappearing.

[@DIYNorth]

not sure if there is a common issue. perhaps your belt tensioner is getting weak.

[@jeffreygn539]

Hi friend, I have a 2013 Mazda3 Skyactiv manual. Do these belts work or do they come for automatic and manual transmissions? Are these belts the same?

[@DIYNorth]

I THINK that they are the same. I've never had to select transmission type when buying parts like this so I would assume they are the same

[@TDK2K]

great video, thank you.

[@DIYNorth]

Thanks for watching

[@deshanchathura]

Helpful video. Thanks for sharing. What's the interval to replace these belts?

[@DIYNorth]

Thanks for watching. I think the interval change variance is huge, 50000miles to 100000 miles or something.
It's probably better to go by a physical inspection

[@deshanchathura]

@@DIYNorth thanks

[@deshanchathura]

Another question. What is the interval to change the automatic transmission oil of 2013 Mazda 3 skyaciv? Some says that it is lifetime but not sure though.

[@DIYNorth]

Its supposed to be lifetime, I agree.
Though I dont know what the life expectancy is.

[@deshanchathura]

@@DIYNorth Thanks, I have seen on some posts that it's recommended to change the automatic transmission fluid in the skyaciv in 80k-100k intervals.

[@DIYNorth]

@@deshanchathura I might try to change it, or I might explore how far a lifetime fluid can go.
Not sure yet. I'm at 250k (in km)

[@deshanchathura]

@@DIYNorth Wow! Mine's only nearing 100K

[@kj3472]

I changed my 2013 mazda 3 transmission oil and filter at 90,000 miles. You only want to add 4 quarts after flush and filter. Go with idemitsu ONLY!!! Also get the gasket maker that dries In less than an hour... clean off old gasket and don't damage the spot it seals when cleaning it off. My car is at 165,000 miles now and at this point you don't want to change it the transmission can sometimes go out after flush at high milage but it doesn't need it either hopefully this helps someone

[@jamiez901]

where do you buy the parts?

[@DIYNorth]

Usually Rockauto. Sometimes Amazon, and if there is a good sale on locally then I'll go to a local retailer.
Rockauto charges some import fees in canada but it is usually still a lot cheaper.

[@DIYNorth]

I usually link everything in the description of the video