1998 Mazda B3000 Power Steering Fluid Leak

TRUCKMAN88

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hi there I have a 1998 Mazda B3000 5 Spd with 84,000 miles on it. I Just replaced the wheels and tires on the truck, going from 14" wheel to a 15" wheel. For tires I went from a 225/70R14 to a 225/70R15 (This year truck had the option of either wheel size with same tire). Right after I got the tires changed I could feel a vibration in the steering wheel (Thought this could be from a broken stabilizer bar link). After a day looked under the hood and realized power steering pump is squirting fluid out a tiny whole in the top of the power steering fluid cap.(Looks like whole is supposed to be there not sure tho) Any Ideas ? Could there be too much fluid? :?:

Apr 11, 2006 at 6:27 PM

LOSONE

✓Experienced Mechanic
1,616 POSTS

You have a problem with either a bent rim or a tire with seperated treds. The pump isn't too full, the "jitter" causes the fluid to back up.

Apr 11, 2006 at 11:46 PM

COSMO

✓Experienced Mechanic
347 POSTS

If you or someone turned the steering while the engine was off you may have gotten air into the system...it is common for the fluid to back-up and 'squirt' out the cap if this is done with the engine turned off.....one way to get this air out of the system is to raise the front wheels and turn the engine over (with the ignition/fuel system disabled) and turn the steering wheel from lock to lock while cranking.....if the vibration contineaus when you go around corners and while slightly turning the steering off center, you may have to preform this action again.

Cosmo...Mazda Tech

Apr 13, 2006 at 8:45 AM

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Suggested Repair

Check for a bent rim or a tire with separated tread, which can cause the steering vibration and make power steering fluid back up through the cap vent. The pump is not overfilled. If the wheel was turned with the engine off, bleed air by raising the front wheels, disabling the ignition and fuel system, and turning the steering lock to lock while cranking. Repeat if vibration continues when turning or going around corners.

Conversation Summary

A 1998 Mazda B3000 developed steering-wheel vibration and power steering fluid squirting from a small hole in the reservoir cap right after switching from 14-inch to 15-inch wheels and tires. One expert said the fluid is not overfilled and the vibration from a bent rim or separated tire tread is forcing fluid out. Another said air may have entered if the steering was turned with the engine off, and recommended bleeding the system by cranking with the ignition and fuel disabled while turning the wheel lock to lock with the front wheels raised.

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1998 Mazda B3000 Power Steering Fluid Leak

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