Mazda 6. Manual - part 230

GENERAL PROCEDURES , ENGINE SPEED SENSING POWER STEERING

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PRECAUTION (STEERING)

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Wheels and Tires Removal/Installation

1. The removal and installation procedures for the wheels and tires are not mentioned in this section. When a 

wheel is removed, tighten it to
88—118 N·m {9.0—12.0 kgf·m, 65.0—87.0 ft·lbf}.

Power Steering Components Removal/Installation

1. If any power steering fluid line has been disconnected anytime during the procedure, add ATF M-III or 

equivalent (e.g. Dexron

®

II

), bleed the fluid lines, and inspect for leakage after the procedure has been 

completed.

Connectors Disconnection/Connection

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable before doing any work that requires handling of connectors. Reconnect 

the negative battery cable only after the work is completed.

Suspension Arm Removal/Installation

1. Tighten any part of the suspension that uses rubber bushings only after vehicle has been lowered and 

unloaded.

Note

• Unloaded: Fuel tank is full. Engine coolant and engine oil are at specified level. Spare tire, jack, and tools 

are in designated position.

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AIR BLEEDING

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1. Inspect the fluid level. (See 

N–4 POWER STEERING FLUID INSPECTION

.)

2. Jack up the front of the vehicle and support it on safety stands.
3. Turn the steering wheel fully to the left and right several times with the engine not running.
4. Reinspect the fluid level.

• If it has dropped, add fluid.

5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the fluid level stabilizes.
6. Lower the vehicle.
7. Start the engine and let it idle.
8. Turn the steering wheel fully to the left and right several times.
9. Verify that the fluid is not foamy and that the fluid level has not dropped.

• If the fluid level has dropped, add fluid as necessary and repeat Steps 8 and 9.

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GENERAL PROCEDURES

ENGINE SPEED SENSING POWER STEERING

N–4

ENGINE SPEED SENSING POWER STEERING 

POWER STEERING FLUID INSPECTION

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Fluid Level Inspection

1. Inspect the power steering fluid level.

• Add fluid to the specified level as necessary.

Fluid specification

ATF M-III or equivalent (e.g. Dexron

®

II

)

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.

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. Disconnect the pressure pipe from the oil pump, 

and connect the SSTs.

Tightening torque

29.4—44.1 N·m {3.0—4.4 kgf·m, 22—32 ft·lbf}

3. Bleed the air from the system.
4. Open the gauge valve fully. 
5. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel fully 

left and right to raise the fluid temperature to 50—
60 

°C {122—140 °F}.

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ENGINE SPEED SENSING POWER STEERING 

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6. Close the gauge valve completely.
7. 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

10.80—11.29 MPa {110.2—115.2 kgf/cm

2

, 1567—1637 psi}

8. Open the gauge valve fully and increase the 

engine speed to 1,000—1,500 rpm.

9. 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

10.80—11.29 MPa {110.2—115.2 kgf/cm

2

, 1567—1637 psi}

10. Remove the SSTs. Install and tighten the pressure pipe to the specified torque.

Tightening torque

29.4—44.1 N·m {3.0—4.4 kgf·m, 22—32 ft·lbf}

11. Bleed the air from the system.

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N–6

ENGINE SPEED SENSING POWER STEERING 

STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN INSPECTION

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Steering Wheel Play Inspection

1. With the wheels in the straight-ahead position, gently turn the steering wheel to the left and right and verify that 

the play is within the specification.

• If the play exceeds the specification, either the steering joints are worn or the backlash of the steering gear 

is excessive. Correct as necessary.

Play

0—30 mm {0—1.18 in}

Steering Wheel Looseness Inspection

1. Move the steering wheel as shown in the figure to 

inspect for column bearing wear, steering shaft 
joint play, steering wheel looseness, and column 
looseness.

• Repair or replace as necessary.

Steering Wheel Effort Inspection

1. Inspect the following points:

• Tire size and tire pressure

• Fluid level

• Drive belt deflection

2. With the vehicle on a hard, level surface, put the wheels in the straight-ahead position.
3. Remove the air bag module.

Warning

• See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION for removal/installation of the air 

bag module after inspection.

4. Start the engine and warm the power steering fluid to 50—60 

°C {122—140 °F}.

5. Measure the steering wheel effort using a torque 

wrench.

• If not within the specification, verify the 

following:
— No air in steering system
— No fluid leakage at hose or connectors
— Function of oil pump and steering gear

Steering wheel effort

7.8 N·m {80 kgf·cm, 58 in·lbf} max.

Note

• To determine whether the steering effort is 

satisfactory or not, perform the inspection on 
another vehicle of the same model and under the same conditions, and compare the results.

• The steering wheel effort varies with conditions as shown below.

— Road conditions, such as dry or wet, and asphalt or concrete.
— Tire conditions, such as brand, wear, and tire pressure.

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