Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring. Manual — part 542

FLUID LEVEL INSPECTION

1. Inspect the power steering fluid level.



Add fluid to the specified level as necessary.

Power steering fluid type

ATF-MIII, M-V or Dexron®II

Power steering fluid capacity (approximate quantity) 1.27 L {1.34 US qt, 1.11 lmp qt}

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.

3. Inspect for fluid leakage.



If fluid leakage is found, replace related pipe or hose.

FLUID PRESSURE INSPECTION

1. Assemble the SSTs as shown in the figure.

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.

NOTE:



The points where fluid leakage may occur are indicated in the figure.

Fig. 2: Inspecting For Fluid Leakage
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

2008 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring

2008 STEERING Power Steering - Mazda CX-9

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2. Disconnect the pressure pipe from the steering gear and linkage, and connect the SSTs.

Tightening torque 29.4-44.1 N.m {3.00-4.49 kgf.m, 21.7-32.5 ft.lbf}

Fig. 3: Identifying SSTs
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

3. Bleed the air from the system. (See AIR BLEEDING.)

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}.

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.

Oil pump fluid pressure 11.3-11.8 MPa {116-120 kgf/cm

2

, 1639-1711 psi}

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: Measuring Fluid Pressure Generated By Oil Pump
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

2008 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring

2008 STEERING Power Steering - Mazda CX-9

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Sunday, November 15, 2009 10:20:34 AM

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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.

Fig. 5: Measuring Fluid Pressure Generated At Gear Housing
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Gear housing fluid pressure 11.3-11.8 MPa {116-120 kgf/cm

2

, 1639-1711 psi}

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

Tightening torque 29.4-44.1 N.m {3.00-4.49 kgf.m, 21.7-32.5 ft.lbf}

11. Bleed the air from the system.

STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN INSPECTION

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.

Steering wheel 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

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.

2008 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring

2008 STEERING Power Steering - Mazda CX-9

Microsoft

Sunday, November 15, 2009 10:20:34 AM

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© 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

play, steering wheel looseness, and column looseness.



Repair or replace as necessary.

Fig. 6: Inspecting For Column Bearing Wear, Steering Shaft Joint Play, Steering Wheel
Looseness, And Column Looseness
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

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.

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

WARNING:



Handling the air bag module improperly can accidentally
deploy the air bag module, which may seriously injure you.
Read AIR BAG SYSTEM WARNINGS before handling the air bag
module. (See AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE WARNINGS .) (See
AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE CAUTIONS .)

2008 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring

2008 STEERING Power Steering - Mazda CX-9

Microsoft

Sunday, November 15, 2009 10:20:34 AM

Page 5

© 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.