2013 Mazda 5 with 100k miles. Bought it with 85k - I do not think that the previous owner ever changed it. Do you recommend to have power steering fluid changed or flushed?
Having tried to suck fluid and replace, I find more dirt is coming out as the new fluid get into action. Roughly 50% oil is changed (?) - it is difficult since there are two reservoir - bottom reservoir has most oil (I do it on my Acura Integra) - oil has significant black color to it.
I called around for price:
dealer likely $125+tax; Likely they get the color right - might do twice to get the color - they put the oil on one end and drain on the other
independent shop drain & fill for $73 + tax; (AC Delco Synthetic oil) Just one change - color? Should I need to be concerned about air getting trapped as they drain and fill?
Wondering which one is better? It seems that I will be in good hands in both places (I named the m/c at the dealer) - independent shop has good reviews.
Its just about getting air trapped (unlikely event I believe knowing their reviews), getting the color right and price!
Power steering systems bleed themselves with use, in my experience. I haven’t ever had an issue with air getting trapped when repairing hydraulic power steering systems.
I think I’d keep sucking the fluid out at home and save the money, myself. You should be able to dilute the old fluid enough next time, considering you’ve replaced 50% of it already.
This is something I don’t generally do (power steering flush), but I’m sure it’s not a bad practice.
I have an 09 Mazda 3, I changed the fluid myself (youtube videos helped) it was simple drain/replace I used Mobil synthetic.The steering feel is better, but that might be me.
The one time I paid a shop to “flush” my PS fluid, I watched them use a hand pump to drain and refill it. After that, I just drained and refilled it myself.
If you want to obsess about changing more of the fluid than you can with a siphon pump, just do it more than once. Drain the fluid, refill it, start the car, turn the steering wheel all the way side to side a couple times, and then drain and refill it again. If you really want to obsess about it, drain and refill it a third time in a day or two. Even if you have to buy three bottles of PS fluid and a siphon pump, you’ll come out ahead rather than pay a shop to do it.
“It’s cheaper than replacing a power steering pump/rack assembly” as @Tester stated. Its a high pressure system. Your PS might be well made but fluid needs replacing
I do siphon on my Acura Integra frequently because its so easy. But this car is tall and the bottom reservoir holds the fluid. Its been ignored for 5yrs/100k - I might have changed 50% but that’s when I realized there is more dirt inside. See the arrow in this picture, the little reservoir. Then there is a L-shape black hose takes it to another reservoir: https://data.youcanic.com/make/mazda/5/2015/1305-4.jpg
For others, it is not so much about smoother effect. But ensuring the high pressure system is fed well - an insurance against costly maintenance. I sold my 30yr old Acura on a related issue - @Tester gave me the fix for it too - I could have kept it, I guess after the Lucas fix.
Years ago, I spent a few hours power washing the underside of a 79 cj5 I owned. I swear it ran better afterwards. And, maybe it did! There was 20 years of mud and grease caked on, and packed inside the boxed frame. So if I knocked off 100 lbs of grime…maybe it actually did have slightly more power vs weight.
Sigh…good times. I was soaking wet and grimy after that. But no worries! Vinyl seats and no top. Just take off your shirt and air dry as you drive it home.
