🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

929 RX-4

Chassis Code:

LA2

Engine Code General:

Rotary (Wankel)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Luxury Sedan

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts and owners of the Mazda 929 RX-4 seeking detailed technical information for maintenance and repair.

Competitors Era:

Contemporary luxury sedans from manufacturers like Toyota (Century, Crown), Nissan (President, Cedric/Gloria), Honda (Accord - higher trims), and American luxury marques.

Unique Selling Proposition:

Rotary engine technology, emphasis on luxury and refined ride quality, distinctive styling for its era.

Manual Purpose:

To provide in-depth technical guidance for the chassis, braking, steering, and body systems of the Mazda 929 RX-4.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Chassis Systems

Secondary Coverage:

General Repair and Maintenance

Estimated Pages:

Variable (Digital format, but typical workshop manuals of this era are 500-1000+ pages)

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Chassis And Suspension:

Front suspension (struts, wishbones, steering components), Rear suspension (multi-link, shock absorbers, springs), Wheel bearings, Hubs, Steering system (rack and pinion, power steering system components and hydraulics), Chassis frame inspection and repair, Body mounting and alignment.

Brakes:

Front disc brake systems, Rear drum or disc brake systems (depending on trim), Brake hydraulic system (master cylinder, proportioning valves, lines), Parking brake system, ABS system (if equipped).

Wheels And Tires:

Wheel specifications, Tire pressure recommendations, Tire wear diagnosis, Wheel alignment procedures.

Body And Exterior:

Body panel removal and installation, Door mechanisms, Hood and trunk latches, Window regulators and seals, Exterior trim, Bumper systems, Lighting components (headlights, taillights, markers).

Maintenance:

Lubrication schedules, Fluid level checks and top-offs, Filter replacements (air, oil, fuel - where applicable to chassis), Brake pad/shoe replacement, Suspension component inspection and replacement.

Repair:

Detailed disassembly and reassembly instructions for all chassis components, Steering component replacement, Brake caliper and cylinder overhaul, Suspension arm and link replacement, Chassis alignment adjustments, Body panel repair and rust prevention.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts for common chassis-related issues (e.g., steering pull, brake noise, suspension noise), Symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance, diagnostics, component-level repair, and major overhauls. Suitable for experienced DIY mechanics and professional technicians.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchable:

Likely searchable text, enabling quick navigation to specific topics.

Quality:

High resolution, suitable for on-screen viewing and printing.

Type:

N/A (Digital download)

Type:

N/A (Digital download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Rotary (Wankel)

Engine Configuration:

Twin Rotor (e.g., 12A, 13B variations depending on specific RX-4 model/market)

Displacement Cc:

Approx. 1.1-1.3 Liters (depending on specific engine variant)

Horsepower Ps:

Varies by engine and emissions standards, typically in the 100-130 PS range for earlier models.

Torque Nm:

Varies by engine and emissions standards, typically in the 150-180 Nm range.

Fuel Delivery:

Carburetor (e.g., Solex, Hitachi) or Fuel Injection (EFI) depending on year and market.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Type:

Water-cooled

System:

Unique rotary oil injection system in addition to sump lubrication.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed Manual Transmission or 3-speed Automatic Transmission

Type:

N/A (Specific transmission was usually tied to trim/engine)

Drive Layout:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)

Clutch:

Dry single plate (manual transmission)

📐 Dimensions

Length Mm:

Approx. 4690 mm (may vary slightly by year/trim)

Width Mm:

Approx. 1695 mm

Height Mm:

Approx. 1360 mm

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2610 mm

Curb Weight Kg:

Approx. 1350-1450 kg (depending on transmission and trim)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Era:

Pre-modern crash testing standards; specific ratings for this model/era are uncommon.

Brakes:

Front ventilated disc brakes, Rear drum or disc brakes.

Steering:

Power-assisted recirculating ball or rack-and-pinion steering, contributing to ease of control.

Restraints:

Seat belts (three-point front, two-point rear), potentially optional front seat airbags on later models.

Body Structure:

Reinforced passenger cell for structural integrity.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player, potentially with rudimentary tone controls and speaker balance.

Climate Control:

Manual or semi-automatic climate control systems with heating and air conditioning.

Features:

Limited by the era. Primarily focused on power steering, power brakes, and potentially cruise control.

Features:

N/A (No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB were available).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or 6 months, though rotary engines can have specific recommendations regarding oil quality and level.

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 20,000-40,000 km (12,000-25,000 miles), depending on plug type and engine duty.

Air Filter:

Inspect every 10,000 km (6,000 miles), replace as needed or every 30,000-50,000 km (18,000-30,000 miles).

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years or 40,000 km (25,000 miles).

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (specific rotary-specific oil may be recommended for long-term health).

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio). Specific type may be detailed in the manual.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.

Transmission Fluid Auto:

Dexron III (or equivalent for automatic transmission).

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil.

Rotary Engine Apex Seals:

Wear of apex seals is a common characteristic of rotary engines over time, leading to compression loss, hard starting, and reduced power. Requires rebuild or seal replacement.

Chassis Corrosion:

As with many vehicles of this era, rust and corrosion, particularly in the unibody structure, wheel wells, and rocker panels, can be a significant issue depending on climate and care.

Suspension Wear:

Bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends can wear over time, leading to vague steering and clunking noises. Regular inspection and replacement are key.

Electrical System:

Aging wiring harnesses, connections, and components can lead to intermittent electrical faults. Corrosion in connectors is common.

Carburetor Issues:

If equipped with a carburetor, tuning issues, vacuum leaks, and wear can affect performance and fuel economy.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Mazda Motor Corporation, a Japanese automaker with a history of innovation, particularly in rotary engine technology.

Series:

The RX-4 (often badged as Mazda 929 in export markets, or as a distinct model depending on generation and region) was part of Mazda's rear-wheel-drive sedan lineup, evolving through several generations.

Generation:

This manual likely covers the early to mid-1970s generation of the RX-4/929 platform, which was a significant step in Mazda's upscale offerings.

Production Years:

The RX-4 model itself spanned approximately 1972-1978, with the 929 designation potentially used concurrently or for export versions.

Manufacturing Location:

Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Design Awards:

While specific awards for the RX-4 chassis might be hard to pinpoint, the model was recognized for its distinctive European-influenced styling and comfort for its time.

Reliability Era Perception:

Perception of rotary engine reliability varied. Early engines required diligent maintenance, but later iterations improved significantly. Chassis components generally followed typical Japanese engineering standards for the period.