Just FYI, I was doing a multiple turkey baster drain/refill on my PS and on the second go-round I had the bright idea to use the baster to squirt air into the bottom of the reservoir to stir up any junk and such (I had put a 3" tubing extension on the baster so I could reach bottom). When I finished and emptied the jar I was using, I found more grit on the bottom than I'd like to see, so I guess it worked. Maybe helps someone someday.

 

Interesting! That make a lot of sense.

That fluid is one of those things that should be changed more often and is forgotten. I always do it when pulling an engine but it's probably best to do more often, probably 30,000 miles.

Dale

 

What fluid should I use?

My 94's p.s. fluid turned black over the years and I want to remove what's in the reservoir and replace it. I don't know what kind of fluid is in there -- it may be the original fluid, although something might have been added some years ago by a Mazda dealer when some fluid leaked out because the screw clamps on the hose came loose.

I searched the forum and found conflicting recommendations. Some say to just use ordinary power steering fluid and others say to use ATF Dexron II per the FSM. One poster even said that ATF will damage the pump. I also suspect that newer versions of ATF may have detergents that were not in the older formulations, but I don't know if that matters.

ATF Dexron II is no longer made, so I bought a quart of Mobil 1 synthetic ATF, which says it's recommended for applications requiring Dexron II, among other things.

Should I use the Mobil 1 ATF or return it and get some universal ps fluid?

 

The FSM says Dex II which is an obsolete spec. I used High Mileage Super Tech Dex/Merc from Walmart, the same ATF I used for the trans, which is compatible with Dex II/III. I bought 2 gallons plus 2 quarts. Used about 8.5 quarts in the trans which left me about 1.5 quarts to drain/refill the reservoir 4x. The PS system holds 32 oz. and the reservoir holds 10 oz. According to drain/refill spreadsheets, such as the one attached, I should have about 80% new fluid in there. If you use ATF, be sure to use the older spec Dex/Merc and not the newer low-viscosity Dex VI. Whether synthetic will be fine I do not know. Same when I did the diff, I used good old 80w90 rather than the 75w140 syn that is available. HTH

 

I've always used synthetic power steering fluid - just whatever was a name brand at the parts store. Never had a single problem.

Dale

 

Dale,
Is there any particular reason why you have not used the Mazda-recommended ATF Dexron II or its successor?

Pete

 

Not in particular, I just don't think I've thought too much about it .

Never had any leaks, groans, anything weird. I've used it in more than one FD with no problems.

Dale