Originally Posted By: CharlieJ
Originally Posted By: FirstNissan
Can you detail how you flushed the system, I need to do it on my Versa soon and ive got the same setup as the mazda3. Thanks!
A Google search shows that the Versa uses an electric motor to turn the steering rack no hydraulics involved.
The way I flushed the system was to lift the car up on jack stands (so the wheels are free to move), undue the low pressure (return) line to the rack, let the fluid from the reservoir drain, turn the steering wheel from lock to lock with the car OFF to pump the fluid out of the rack. Then, after fluid is no longer coming out, reconnect the low pressure line, fill the reservoir and start the car, immediately begin filling the reservoir as it will begin to pump fluid to the empty rack (use a helper to fill).
Once the fluid settles and stops draining, begin to turn the wheel (car turned on) from lock to lock to purge air from the system. This is easiest done with a helper to top the system up as air bubble will emerge.
After you are satisfied with the amount of air bleed, take it for a drive to put load on the system to purge any air left. I noticed the first time I drove the car, more air was purge while under load.
That's it your P/S flush is complete. I did this while I was changing oil since I was under the car anyway.
The way i do it, is similar but i feel its safer and takes less time. In my case i use 2liters of P/S.
But, i jack my front end up like you. With the wheels free. Undo the return hose from the reservoir. Drop it in an oil pan quickly at the same time i plug the 'grommet' the return hose attaches to with the corner of a plastic baggy and a zip tie.
I fill the reservoir up up with fluid. I turn my key to ACC [unlocking the wheel]. Turn the wheel at full lock a few times until the reservoir is low. I keep an eye on it as running it dry is hard on the pump as well as lets air into the system. I repeat until i've gone through most of the 2 liters. Keeping about 1/4 liter for 'just in case' and store it in my trunk.
Obviously every car is different as far as PS fluid amount and stuff like that.
But this is how i do My VW, my mom's VW, my girlfriends Civic, and my brothers F250 [this takes more fluid].
The reason i know that 1.75/2 liters is enough is because the first time i changed the P/S on these vehicles thats how much i had to push through the system until the fluid started coming out new looking; rather than burnt or old looking.
