Power Steering Fluid: Testing and Inspection

POWER STEERING FLUID INSPECTION

Fluid Level Inspection

1. Inspect the power steering fluid level.

- Add fluid to the specified level as necessary.

Power steering fluid type
- Mazda Genuine ATF M-V or equivalent (e.g. Dexron(R)II)

Power steering fluid capacity (approx. quantity)
- MZR 2.5: 0.78 L {0.82 US qt, 0.69 Imp qt}
- MZI 3.7 V6: 1.11 L {1.17 US qt, 0.98 Imp qt}

Fluid Leakage Inspection

1. Start the engine and let it idle.

2. Turn the steering wheel fully to the left and right to apply fluid pressure.

CAUTION:
- If the steering wheel is kept in the fully turned position for more than 5 seconds, the fluid temperature will rise excessively and adversely affect the oil pump.

3. Inspect for fluid leakage.






- If fluid leakage is found, replace related pipe or hose. Service and Repair

NOTE:
- The points where fluid leakage may occur are indicated in the figure.

Fluid Pressure Inspection

1. Assemble the SSTs as shown in the figure.






2. For the vehicles with MZI 3.7 V6, remove the following parts.
a. Windshield wiper arm Service and Repair

b. Cowl grille Cowl Grille Removal/Installation

c. Windshield wiper motor Removal and Replacement

d. Cowl panel Cowl Panel Removal/Installation

e. Bolts shown in the figure






3. Disconnect the pressure hose from the power steering oil pump, and connect the SSTs.






Tightening torque
- 38-51 Nm {3.9-5.2 kgf-m, 29-37 ft-lbf}

4. Bleed the air from the system. Service and Repair

5. Open the gauge valve fully.

6. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel fully left and right to raise the fluid temperature to 50-60 °C {122-140 °F}.

7. Close the gauge valve completely.






8. Increase the engine speed to 1,000-1,500 rpm and measure the fluid pressure generated by the oil pump.

- If the pressure is not within the specification, repair or replace the oil pump component.

CAUTION:
- If the valve is left closed for more than 5 seconds, the fluid temperature will rise excessively and adversely affect the oil pump.

Oil pump fluid pressure
- MZR 2.5: 8.33-8.82 MPa {85.0-89.9 kgf/cm2, 1209-1279 psi}
- MZI 3.7 V6: 8.51-9.29 MPa {86.8-94.7 kgf/cm2, 1235-1347 psi}

9. Open the gauge valve fully and increase the engine speed to 1,000-1,500 rpm.






10. Turn the steering wheel fully to the left and right, then measure the fluid pressure generated at the gear housing.

- If the pressure is not within the specification, repair or replace the steering gear component.

CAUTION:
- If the steering wheel is kept in the fully turned position for more than 5 seconds, the fluid temperature will rise excessively and adversely affect the oil pump.

Gear housing fluid pressure
- MZR 2.5: 8.33-8.82 MPa {85.0-89.9 kgf/cm2, 1209-1279 psi}
- MZI 3.7 V6: 8.80-9.29 MPa {90.0-94.7 kgf/cm2, 1277-1342 psi}

11. Remove the SSTs. Install and tighten the pressure hose to the specified torque.

Tightening torque
- 38-51 Nm {3.9-5.2 kgf-m, 29-37 ft-lbf}

12. Bleed the air from the system. Service and Repair