Power Steering Issues

[theMerovingian]

Hey all,

So I bought this low mileage 2002 protege5 about 1.5 months ago and the guy selling it let me know the steering was rough at low speed.

After driving it for as long as I have, it appears that the steering loosens up with speed or RPMs... has anyone else encountered this or found a fix for this issue. It is a bit of a pain in parking lots and residential areas as when I go slow, I have to crank the wheel as hard as I can to get it to turn before i slam the on coming cars.

trouble... yes.

 

[IslandP5]

First thing: I'm not the most technical guy here. You may wanna wait for a proper response.

Have you checked your power steering fluid? Low? BLACK?

The tank for the fluid is almost right above the tank for the washer fluid.

Could be your PS pump is on its last legs.

 

[pasadena_commut]

After driving it for as long as I have, it appears that the steering loosens up with speed or RPMs... has anyone else encountered this or found a fix for this issue. It is a bit of a pain in parking lots and residential areas as when I go slow, I have to crank the wheel as hard as I can to get it to turn before i slam the on coming cars.

Power steering is only needed at low speeds. What you are describing sounds like the power steering boost is either greatly reduced or completely gone. Since you don't sound like you know anything about power steering, it would probably be best to take it to a mechanic. Some of the things that could be wrong with it are pretty inexpensive (replace a belt, plug a leak), so it might not be all that terrible to fix. If it is too costly for you, it is safe to drive without power steering, only, as you have seen, it takes a lot of muscle at low speeds. (HOWEVER, it is not safe to drive a car where the power steering cuts in and out suddenly.)

 

[Crazee D]

i believe there is some speed sensitive steering system or whatever

 

[dxaveP5]

i believe there is some speed sensitive steering system or whatever

on the p5?. not sure bout that one.
check the pump, thats ur best bet.
hows the fluid at the moment?

 

[theMerovingian]

my fluid... haha im dumb

soooo here is the breakdown. i popped my hood and looked at the power steering fluid reservoir and this is what i saw:

Max Lvl:-------------------------

Min Lvl:---------------------------








Actual Lvl:-----------------------------


Is there any special or recommended fluid i should get. I am not a car person and this is my first car sooo the sarcastic " oh you must be an idiot" comments can be checked at the door. I just need a few pointers and some help getting basic car maintenance down. Thanks all. Peace.

 

[IslandP5]

soooo here is the breakdown. i popped my hood and looked at the power steering fluid reservoir and this is what i saw:

Max Lvl:-------------------------

Min Lvl:---------------------------


Actual Lvl:-----------------------------


Is there any special or recommended fluid i should get. I am not a car person and this is my first car sooo the sarcastic " oh you must be an idiot" comments can be checked at the door. I just need a few pointers and some help getting basic car maintenance down. Thanks all. Peace.

So you are saying the fluid level is far below the minimum?

To the best of my knowledge the PS fluid in a P5 is transmission fluid. I'm sure if you called a Mazda dealer they could tell you which one. The info should also be in your owner's manual.

What colour is your fluid? Should be red. It is certainly good to have it topped up, but if it is black, it might be good to have that changed out sometime soon.

 

[pasadena_commut]

Max Lvl:-------------------------
Min Lvl:---------------------------


Actual Lvl:-----------------------------

I have never had a car that "burns" power steering fluid. If it is low there is a problem somewhere causing fluid to be lost from the system.

 

[IslandP5]

I have never had a car that "burns" power steering fluid. If it is low there is a problem somewhere causing fluid to be lost from the system.

Good point. I was leaking PS fluid for at least six weeks back in the spring. And my PS fluid level hardly changed. So the OP must have a fault or leak somewhere that has been a problem for quite a while.

Mero, have you noticed any spots on your driveway? If there are already lots, then put down a piece of cardboard or something of the like overnight and check in the morning. To give an idea of where and how much (if at all).

Still a good idea to top it up though. Just for the short term.

 

[theMerovingian]

PS Fluid filled

Hey all... here is an update.

So I topped off my PS fluid today... I just went by PepBoys and bought some Valvoline PS Fluid with Leak Protection and such... It looked quality and wasn't bottom of the line in cost so I figured it was okay. The fluid I put in was clear... the stuff in the reservoir was tinted a little orange or red. Not sure what this means, but filling it up has solved my problem for now. I hope there is no leak or damage elsewhere that will need costly repairs.

I hoping for the best. Im at college so I don't know any good garages but I will start looking if everyone votes I need it checked out.

Thank you everyone for your input.