Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2011 Mazda 3 L4-2.5LFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Cylinder Head Assembly
Cylinder Head
Tighten the cylinder head bolts in the order shown in the following 5 steps using the SST (49 D032 316)

Tightening torque
Step 1: 3-11 Nm {31-112 kgf-cm, 27-97 in-lbf}
Step 2: 13-17 Nm {133-173 kgf-cm, 116-150 in-lbf}
Step 3: 43-47 Nm {4.4-4.7 kgf-m, 32-34 ft-lbf}
Step 4: 88-92°
Step 5: 88-92°
Bolt Re-usability
Replace any that exceeds maximum length.
Cylinder Head Bolt Length L 145.2-145.8 mm {5.717-5.740 in}
Cylinder Head Bolt Maximum 146.5 mm {5.767 in}
CAMSHAFT CAP
Tighten the camshaft cap bolts in the order shown in the following two steps.

Tightening torque
Step 1: 5.0-9.0 Nm {51-91 kgf-cm, 45-79 in-lbf}
Step 2: 14-17 Nm {1.5-1.7 kgf-m, 11-12 ft-lbf}
Intake Manifold Specifications
Exhaust Manifold Specifications
Camshaft Gear/Sprocket Specifications
Tighten the cylinder head bolts in the order shown in the following 5 steps using the SST (49 D032 316)
Tightening torque
Step 1: 3-11 Nm {31-112 kgf-cm, 27-97 in-lbf}
Step 2: 13-17 Nm {133-173 kgf-cm, 116-150 in-lbf}
Step 3: 43-47 Nm {4.4-4.7 kgf-m, 32-34 ft-lbf}
Step 4: 88-92°
Step 5: 88-92°
Bolt Re-usability
Replace any that exceeds maximum length.
Cylinder Head Bolt Length L 145.2-145.8 mm {5.717-5.740 in}
Cylinder Head Bolt Maximum 146.5 mm {5.767 in}
CAMSHAFT CAP
Tighten the camshaft cap bolts in the order shown in the following two steps.
Tightening torque
Step 1: 5.0-9.0 Nm {51-91 kgf-cm, 45-79 in-lbf}
Step 2: 14-17 Nm {1.5-1.7 kgf-m, 11-12 ft-lbf}
Intake Manifold Specifications
Exhaust Manifold Specifications
Camshaft Gear/Sprocket Specifications
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Disclosure: Verified tool recommendations may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
