Power Steering Drain/Flush

[Squib]

Brought my wife's car in for servicing and they recommended a drain/flush because the fluid was low. I declined and checked it after which indicated the level just above min. Is this service a waste of money? If the fluid is low can I just top it up with new stuff.

Squib

[Noisy Crow]

Your profile says you are driving an '08... which means there is a high likelyhood that it is covered by the power steering pump recall.... which includes a flush of the power steering system.

Check to see if your VIN is included in the recall... if so then the dealer was trying to rip you off for sure... either that or they are clueless about the recall... either way reason enough to stay away.

In anycase, you should be able to just top up the system with the correct fluid (it's not power steering fluid BTW)...

[TheMAN]

ALL 08s are recalled, they're trying to rip you off
wait for your 2nd recall letter and get it done... you will have fresh fluid and a new system afterwards!

in the future, I suggest taking your business to another dealer... there's a few reputable ones discussed here

FYI, the factory fills the system with the fluid warm... when the car sits overnight and cools off, the fluid will be just slightly above minimum... I don't like this and topped off mine to full a long time ago... use ATF to top it off if you want, but you shouldn't have to care as your car is recalled

[Squib]

Thanks for the heads up. I did not know about the recall as the car is an 08. Do you need to have a letter for them to fix the problem. I dont have a letter and our address has changed a few times so I am not sure I will get one. I usually don't take the car to the dealer because I don't trust them and today's incident gives evidence.

Thanks fellas

[MistaChin]

If you go to MoT then stay away from a service advisor named Ken. He said they don't give out the TM3 discount anymore. I walked downstairs and talked to Joe and was informed that the TM3 discount is still being applied. He also told me the power steering fluid needed to be flushed. I asked about the recall and I'll be getting that done anyways and he said that the flush has nothing to do with the recall because it's just a part that needs to be replaced and no flush will be performed....

Screw him i'll deal with Vincent in the future. That dude totally turned me off from dealership advice altogether and I'll most likely be talking to Jimmy a lot more for service...

[TheMAN]

or go to DWM... they're pretty good too

a flush MUST be done on the recall or mazda canada won't take any responsibility for a repeat failure (it will be the dealer's responsibility instead)
he's just a service writer, not a mechanic... he doesn't know how to fix a car, all he cares is selling crap to make his commission

as for the letter, you need to call mazda canada NOW and update your ownership info with them... you don't need the 1st letter sent out last month, but you will need the 2nd letter in order for the recall be done.... it may or may not been sent out to you already at one of your old addresses, but in any case, you need to tell mazda that you moved, update the address and get them to send you the recall letters

this is why it's important to always update your information with the auto maker... they aren't going to send you solicitations, but for recall notices or any other important owner info

[Noisy Crow]

BTW, what shop was this?

[dumpbear]

...

[froggy]

bought my 08 in Jan of 09 and have never recieved a letter. Possibility of it having been done before purchase or should I get my vin checked?

[liquidzyklon]

bought my 08 in Jan of 09 and have never recieved a letter. Possibility of it having been done before purchase or should I get my vin checked?Get your VIN checked since it's free service provided from Mazda of Canada and potential safety issue.

[aris]

Thanks for the heads up. I did not know about the recall as the car is an 08. Do you need to have a letter for them to fix the problem. I dont have a letter and our address has changed a few times so I am not sure I will get one. I usually don't take the car to the dealer because I don't trust them and today's incident gives evidence.

Thanks fellas

I was at the dealer two weeks ago pricing out a new rear bumper and the service manger told me their is a recall on my car..i told i know but i was waiting for the scend letter and he said he can do it any time cause he has the parts instock so i had mine down last week