How to: Change Power Steering Fluid

[ibcrusn]

Here's a quick how-to to replace nearly all of the power steering fluid on Gen2 MS3. I have always been surprised that manufacturers create service schedules to deal with major fluids on the car (oil, transmission and coolant) but neglect the smaller systems and treat them almost as an on-condition servicing of the fluid level only. At any rate after 75k miles and 5+ years on my Pu it was time to figure it out so I don't have to replace my PS pump unit at some point in the future.

After some research I found a video on Youtube of a guy doing the same service on a standard MZ3 so feel free to watch that as well. I will forewarn you he becomes a bit painful to listen to. Regardless, I can't take full credit as this guy did a decent job of documenting the process.

MazdaSpeed Forums Presents: YouTube

MazdaSpeed Forums Presents: YouTube

Let's get started.

Tools:

• Jack
• 2 jack stands
• lug wrench or impact
• torque wrench
• 10mm socket and ratchet
• 8mm socket or Phillips screw driver
• small bowl/Tupperware type container to catch fluid
• rags
• 1 Qt of the appropriate fresh PS fluid (I used Amsoil PSF)

Steps:

1. Get the front of the car up on jack stands
2. Remove the right front tire/wheel
3. Remove the fasteners and plastic plugs for the front half of the inner fender well including the section that attaches to the front bumper cover near the lower lip. (ref pic #1)
   
4. Place your catch container under the two PS fluid lines on the lower tray (ref pic #2 where the drop light is)
   
5. Disconnect the upper hose (low pressure return line) and let the fluid in the pump reservoir drain into the container. (ref pic #2)
6. Unlock the steering wheel and run the wheel back and forth lock to lock several times to work most of the fluid out of the rack and pressure line. (Do not do this with the engine running)
7. You'll know you've done it enough when you hear sucking sound going both directions and fluid stops coming out.
8. This is where I note that you're not going to get all the fluid out of the system but you should get most of it out. I didn't find a system capacity but I got approximately 20oz out.
9. Reattach the hose to the plastic return line and reseat the hose clamp.
10. Clean up any mess.
11. Reattach the inner fender covers
12. Reinstall the tire/wheel (Lug torque 70-90 ft/lbs)
13. Move topside and fill the reservoir with new fluid.
14. Turn the wheel back and forth lock to lock several times.
15. Repeat - fill & run the steering wheel back and forth. I think I did this four times.
16. Once the system is not taking anymore fluid doing this mechanically it's time to start the engine and run the wheel back and forth slowly.
17. Make certain you keep an eye on the fluid level as it will go down as you do this process a few times.
18. All told I serviced the system with ~20oz. of fluid before the level stopped dropping.
19. Reinsert the little screen filter, rubber seal and install the cap.
20. Take the car off jack stands.
21. Go for a drive and do plenty of turns the exercise the system.
22. Check fluid level after return.
23. Crack a beer and enjoy.
24. Make a note to do this again in 50-60k miles if you plan to keep the car.

If you're doing this by yourself it shouldn't take but 45 mins to an hour, less if you have two people.

Have a look at the crap in the fluid and difference in color from new fluid. I did notice a slight difference in the sound of the PS pump unit, it's probably happy to have fresh fluid versus the dirty shit. Take note the metal container was an acetone jug and had no crap in it before starting. It gives you a good idea of the particles in the system.

[ibcrusn]

Now that the old fluid has sat for some time the particles have fallen out of suspension. I'm not cutting open the container but the junk circulating through the system shown in the picture is yet another reason to change the fluid periodically.

[blackms3_71]

Originally Posted by ibcrusn Now that the old fluid has sat for some time the particles have fallen out of suspension. I'm not cutting open the container but the junk circulating through the system shown in the picture is yet another reason to change the fluid periodically.

Good write up. I have changed the fluid 2x now on my gen one. 78k and noticed both times power steering has felt better. I used mobil 1 syn tran fluid.

[ibcrusn]

Thanks. I'm surprised that nearly every manufacturer neglects to provide guidance on PSF, even the Germans.

If you have any advice for Genjuan owners feel free to plagiarize any of this as needed. If nothing else I hope it raises the awareness for those that plan to keep their cars for a while.

[bsteimel]

Wow i'm surprised to see all that gunk in the reservoir before adding new fluid. I guess it might be worth it to flush it once through. Power steering is interesting though. My wife's car in the driveway that is going strong at 202k miles and the power steering fluid is the same as it's been on day one. Having said that I'd rather be safe then sorry. With regards to her car at this point if it ain't broke don't fix it. My car 2012 gen 2 is the road warrior, hers she just goes back and forth to work which is local. I just passed 60k miles, I think i'll put this on the schedule for around 75k. I have a bunch of work to do for the 60k mile service. Spark plugs, ignition coils, brake fluid, trans fluid and I have a broken shock.

[blackms3_71]

Originally Posted by ibcrusn Thanks. I'm surprised that nearly every manufacturer neglects to provide guidance on PSF, even the Germans. If you have any advice for Genjuan owners feel free to plagiarize any of this as needed. If nothing else I hope it raises the awareness for those that plan to keep their cars for a while.

All i did was remove the return line from the pump and have my gf start it and turn it off within a few sec. Added fluid and repeat. Seem to work really well for me.

[ibcrusn]

Originally Posted by ms3gt08 All i did was remove the return line from the pump and have my gf start it and turn it off within a few sec. Added fluid and repeat. Seem to work really well for me.

That sounds easier than dealing with the electric pump. Are the lines in the same basic area as they are on the Pu?

[ibcrusn]

Originally Posted by bsteimel Wow i'm surprised to see all that gunk in the reservoir before adding new fluid. I guess it might be worth it to flush it once through. Power steering is interesting though. My wife's car in the driveway that is going strong at 202k miles and the power steering fluid is the same as it's been on day one. Having said that I'd rather be safe then sorry. With regards to her car at this point if it ain't broke don't fix it. My car 2012 gen 2 is the road warrior, hers she just goes back and forth to work which is local. I just passed 60k miles, I think i'll put this on the schedule for around 75k. I have a bunch of work to do for the 60k mile service. Spark plugs, ignition coils, brake fluid, trans fluid and I have a broken shock.

For sure, don't mess with something over 200k, you might induce a problem.

Just to clarify the junk in the picture is in the bottle I drained he used fluid into. I'm sure that gunk was sitting in suspension and circulating through the system.

[macdiesel]

In my old svt focus I used a turkey baster to suck fluid out of the ps reservoir and refill every oil change. I mean, if you too lazy to pop lines off, which I am.


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[blackms3_71]

Originally Posted by ibcrusn That sounds easier than dealing with the electric pump. Are the lines in the same basic area as they are on the Pu?

As far as i know yeah they should be. Just be careful as to make sure the person hears u to turn the car off or ur empty it in no time and get air in.

[rdtk1]

This might be the wrong thread but I have some left over mazda m5 atf. Can I use this to flush it and then drain and replace with synthetic?? I have it and have no need for it but rather not throw away perfectly good fluid

[rdtk1]

to answer my own question, yes you can use M5 atf fro mazda. I used my left over to flush system and drained it again. Then filled with valvoline maxlife atf.

I now want to add a power steering fluid filter but need to know which direction is the flow direction..

Anyone know?
I assume anyone that knows how power steering works would know. Please excuse my ignorance!

[rdtk1]

to answer my own question