Power Steering - Abnormal Whining Noise

Steering

06-002/04

2004 MAZDA3 - ABNORMAL WHINE NOISE OF
STEERING SYSTEM

APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS

2004 Mazda3

DESCRIPTION

Some whine noise from Electro Hydraulic Power Assist Steering (EHPAS) is considered normal. In other cases, an abnormally loud whine noise may occur when compared to known good vehicles. The may be caused by air trapped in the power steering fluid.


Customers having this concern should have their vehicle repaired using the following repair procedure.


REPAIR PROCEDURE


To remove air trapped in power steering (P/S) fluid, follow the steps below.

1. Lift vehicle on hoist.

2. Record radio presets.

3. Turn ignition key to LOCK position, then disconnect negative battery cable.

4. Remove power steering pump according to Workshop Manual (section 06-14 ELECTRIC POWER STEERING OIL PUMP REMOVAL/INSTALLATION).





5. Drain old fluid from pump by turning pump so that inlet and outlet ports are facing down.





NOTE:
Allow gravity to drain old fluid and discard into a suitable container.





6. Remove return hose from the steering gear box and allow fluid to drain out using a suitable container.

7. Reinstall return hose.

8. Reinstall pump.

9. Fill P/S fluid to MAX line on reservoir using new fluid.

10. Reconnect negative battery cable.

11. Run engine for 10 seconds, then stop engine.

12. Refill P/S fluid to MAX line on reservoir with the engine off.

13. Run engine again and let idle for 5 minutes.





NOTE:
DO NOT TURN STEERING WHEEL.

14. Follow AIR BLEEDING procedure according to Workshop Manual (section 06-14 AIR BLEEDING).

15. If abnormal whine noise is still heard inside passenger cabin, replace damper bracket with a modified one.

NOTE:
DO NOT REPLACE bracket otherwise.

16. Reset radio presets and adjust clock.

17. Verify repair.





PART(S) INFORMATION

WARRANTY INFORMATION

NOTE:

^ This warranty information applies only to verified customer complaints on vehicles eligible for warranty repair. Refer to the SRT microfiche for warranty term information.

^ Additional diagnostic time cannot be claimed for this repair.