Fluid Pressure Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Mazda 6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Assemble the SSTs as shown in the figure.
For the vehicles with MZI-3.7, remove the following parts.
1. Windshield wiper arm. See WINDSHIELD WIPER ARM AND BLADE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .
2. Cowl grille. See COWL GRILLE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .
3. Windshield wiper motor. See WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .
4. Cowl panel. See COWL PANEL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .
  
  Fig 1: Checking Fluid Pressure
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
5. Bolts shown in the figure
  
  Fig 2: Power Steering Bolts With Torque Specifications
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the pressure hose from the power steering oil pump, and connect the SSTs .
Tightening torque

38-51 N.m {3.9-5.2 kgf.m, 29-37 ft.lbf}
Bleed the air from the system. See AIR BLEEDING .
Open the gauge valve fully.
Start the engine and turn the steering wheel fully left and right to raise the fluid temperature to 50-60°C {122-140°F} .

Fig 3: Connecting SST To Power Steering Oil Pump
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Close the gauge valve completely.
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.
  
  Fig 4: Closing Gauge Valve Completely
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Oil pump fluid pressure

L5: 8.33-8.82 MPa {85.0-89.9 kgf/cm ² , 1209-1279 psi}

MZI-3.7: 8.80-9.29 MPa {90.0-94.7 kgf/cm ² , 1277-1342 psi}

Fig 5: Opening Gauge Valve Completely
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Open the gauge valve fully and increase the engine speed to 1,000-1,500 RPM .
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

L5: 8.33-8.82 MPa {85.0-89.9 kgf/cm ² , 1209-1279 psi}

MZI-3.7: 8.80-9.29 MPa {90.0-94.7 kgf/cm ² , 1277-1342 psi}
Remove the SSTs . Install and tighten the pressure hose to the specified torque.
Tightening torque

38-51 N.m {3.9-5.2 kgf.m, 29-37 ft.lbf}
Bleed the air from the system. See AIR BLEEDING .