Hi guys, I'm thinking to start tinkering a lot with my 2016 CX-5. What tools did you need or recommend to easily remove/reinstall body parts or mechanical parts?
aside form this being a forum for "here is how you do this" and not "how do I do this?" lol.... ok so you will need sockets sized 10mm, for the underbody panel 17mm for the wheels, Phillips/flathead screwdriver for screws and plastic push rivets.. most of the interior trim pops in and out by hand..
I think that anyone seriously considering these tasks - which is great by the way - likely already has all of the tools he/she needs. A fairly standard, decent sized tool kit should get you pretty far. And the good news is that you'll have an excuse to go buy more tools if you run into a project you don't have the tools to complete!
either one of these would serve you well. I tend to like the plastic ones as there is less chance of them scratching and marring but the metal ones are stronger. The plastic set is so inexpensive though that if it breaks Id just buy a new set
I changed my oil this week and installed a Fumoto drain valve for the oil plug. Now, to drain the oil, I just slide the lever over and close it when it's drained. http://www.qwikvalve.com/fumoto-f106s-valve.html
For the oil filters I've always liked my trusty Lisle oil filter wrench. The great thing with this kind is that they get tighter when you turn them with your ratchet handle. Very good for getting stubborn oil filters off. It doesn't appear that there would be much trouble getting good leverage on the CX-5 oil filter by hand but other vehicles I've changed oil with the filter is at such a position where it's hard to get enough leverage with my hand to get them off.
for other tools I would highly recommend you check out one of craftsmans mechanic sets. They can usually be found on sale and will include most sockets and wrenches that you would need for just about everything. If those sets are a bit too rich for you, consider looking for just metric sockets and wrenches as most every vehicle today is using metric fasteners. I hardly use my SAE stuff anymore.
For the oil change you will need the aluminium washer for the drain plug. Try mazdaparts.org they sell Mazda oil filters, the correct filter wrench,and washers at discounted prices.