Mazda Bongo Blog : Ask a Question

Is there any difference between a Ford Freda and a Mazda Bongo?

There is absolutely no difference between the Ford Freda and the Mazda Bongo Friendee, except for the badge on the front of the vehicle and the badge on the steering wheel.

Labels: ford freda, mazda bongo, mazda bongo friendee

What is the difference between a Mazda Bongo and a Ford Freda?

There is absolutely no difference between a Mazda Bongo and a Ford Freda apart from the name and badge.

Mazda rebadged 8-seater Mazda Bongo Friendee MPV witha Ford badge and named it the Ford Freda. The Ford Motor Company own a stake in Mazda and this kind of excercise got their name out in the Japanese market.

Labels: ford freda, mazda bongo, mazda bongo friendee

How often should I change my Mazda Bongo or Ford Freda Cambelt?

Ideally it should be changed every or 60,000 miles or 100,000 kilometers.

In terms of cost, if you buy the cambelt kit including the cambelt, tensioner and spring on eBay it should be about £50 with the labour cost being in the region of £100-£150 labour.

The kit we saw was for a Mazda Bongo and Ford Freda Cambelt Kit 1995 onwards for 2.5 Turbo Diesel.

Labels: cam belt, ebay, ford freda, mazda bongo, mazda bongo friendee

How often should I change the oil in my Bongo?

I've heard that you need to keep an eye on oil in a Bongo. How often does it need changing and what oil should I use?
Kevin M, Brixham

It is important to keep a schedule of regular oil changes at 3,000 miles. You need 6 litres of 10w/30 oil for the Bongo according to Mazda and this oil grade is easy to get hold of.

Place a bowl under the sump plug and undo it using a 19mm socket. Drain the oil into the bowl and then into the empty oil container when you have refilled the Bongo.

Change the copper washer on the sump plug every oil change and the oil filter every other oil change.

The oil cap is under the passenger seat for refilling the oil. Check levels on the dip stick to ensure you have filled it to the correct level.

Labels: ford freda, mazda bongo, mazda bongo friendee