Replacing Power Steering Fluid.

With so many Power steering pumps complains I guess its good idea to replace power steering fluid - ATF
Easy and a really good method to do it is just to syringe *Walmart has nice ones with small hose for 3$

Suck Fluid from reservoir add new one .. to max line .. ( use only good ATF like Amsoil or any other good brand )
I Use AMSOIL Synthetic one .. for obvious reason ...

Its good to do it couple times .. Car needs to be driven between changes so fluid mixes ..

I saw big improvement in winter time with Synthethic ATF

I guess Couple dollar for bottle is good insurance.

2nd method is to disconnect line .. its more complicated and I would not recommend it ... Gettin Air in the system can be a potential problem.

I want to bring back this thread from dead, and it really is asking TheMan for his advice on this.

Again, there is no mention of Power Steering Fluid change in the Mazda3 service schedule. The M3F guys posted that its really important to change this fluid as the factory fill gets dark real fast. They have even posted a How-To which is relatively easy to follow.

I asked Jimmy@StreetPerformance about this service and he said its not neccessary. His thinking is "Why fix something that isn't broken?" and told me not to flush the power steering fluid.

I haven't noticed anything different with my steering but I'm in preventive maintaince mode now.

TheMan, what are your thoughts?

Bone dry the system hold about 2- 2 1/2L. Threre is no interval for replacnig the oil...nor is there really an easy way to do it.

The fluid never really gets dirty in the system I find. Although some people mistake the M5 or MV fluid that is used in the system as dirty. Although it pours "red" if you look at it on your finger its brownish looking.

Cosmo

Mods: You should give Cosmo77 and TheMan a special tag underneath their names stating something like "Resident Mazda Tech", as these guys are invaluable with their knowledge.

Thanks Cosmo. So you're not recommending that the fluid be changed unless you are experiencing any issues then.

For those curious and interested, DIY Walkthrough by HourMan@M3F

http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=117086.0

+1 on the tag

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Originally Posted by RedRaptor

Mods: You should give Cosmo77 and TheMan a special tag underneath their names stating something like "Resident Mazda Tech", as these guys are invaluable with their knowledge.

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Forgot to mention another TM3er that has provided lots of useful information for us over the years as well. MajesticBlueNTO.

These 3 guys definately should be acknowledged.

mazda has no power steering fluid change interval just like there isn't one for tranny fluid.... it's pretty common for other makes also... it doesn't mean you shouldn't do it... the more city driving and parking maneuvers you do, the more heat/load you put on the steering system... in otherwords, those country folks don't really have to worry about their power steering as much as us city boys.... power steering fluid wears out just like tranny fluid does, because it's the same thing... I see no reason against changing it other than the risk factor of adding an air bubble in the system (which is bled out anyway while you're doing it)... old/bad fluid causes varnish build up, loss of viscosity modifiers, antiwear and antifoam additives, seal conditioners, etc... this increases parts wear and also is bad for seals/hoses... this last thing you want is a nasty mess under the hood because the pump or hoses starts leaking

I *flushed* the fluid in my protege at 135k... it was pretty dark, though I haven't had power steering issues, but I figured it was better to change it so that the seals don't rot out and the pump/gears don't wear out... I put in 1.5l of redline ATF D4 (the correct power steering fluid for all mazdas)... the steering has stayed pretty much the same, but the pump noise is less now especially when the steering wheel is at full lock

my 3 only has 58k on it right now... it has the older style pump and never had issues, and the car is never driven hard... so I'll flush its fluid on the next major service

Can you define the "flush" procedure? How does the dealership do a Power Steering Flush? In the DIY from M3F, all he does is loosen a hose behind the bumper for the fluid to drain out.

thats what you'll have to do usually....it's very messy and I suggest siphoning what you can out of the reservoir first!

have lots of brake cleaner and rags ready too and cover any splash areas you can.... ATF is disgusting and spreads like the plague! it basically stays there forever and it stinks too!

Ok......I'm gonna have to go and call "Bullshit" on you "TheMan" I have been working and owning Mazda's for 15 years now. The only time I have added or replaced fluid my P/S system is when I have had to replace a part. In saying that, it was b/c a part had rotted out on one of my protege's with almost 400,000km on it.

As far us "up northers" go....we do some serious turning too, and its not just to correct hitting a curb b/c we can't grasp parrelle parking.

P/S flushes are for "oil changers" and "pennzoil" Save ur money for 24km, 48km, 72km and 96km services.

Cosmo

The other night, i was looking at the power steering resovoir at the back of the engine on my 3. And i couldnt see the actual oil level. I can see the fill line but i cant quite see the fluid inside. I tried shaking it and nothing was moving. i tried opening cap but thats useless as the plastic resovoir doesnt allow you to see straight in.

What should i do:D

suck some of it out with something to check the fluid condition

hehe just wne outside, ive mistakened the powersteering with brake fluid. Its the brake one that i cant tell .

So there's no consensus when to get your power steering fluid flushed? I had the dealer do it once in my 2005 Mazda3 after 8 or 10 years. I only have 115K on it as I write this. I'm thinking it's time to do it again.

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Originally Posted by Google

So there's no consensus when to get your power steering fluid flushed? I had the dealer do it once in my 2005 Mazda3 after 8 or 10 years. I only have 115K on it as I write this. I'm thinking it's time to do it again.

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I would say never, unless some part needs changing. 15+ years here and never touched it.

I have no steering issues whatsoever.

The fact you changed it already, even moreso it doesn't.


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Google

So there's no consensus when to get your power steering fluid flushed? I had the dealer do it once in my 2005 Mazda3 after 8 or 10 years. I only have 115K on it as I write this. I'm thinking it's time to do it again.

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i think my car was around 7 years or so 150 k when i did it the first time. i havent done it since, i dont think i will do it again. im sure the car will last until the fluid is replaced. id be surprised if it hit 300k in the life time i have it.

I replace it every 36 months nowadays using Mobil1 Synthetic ATF.

im at 260K and have not replaced it