How to Replace Power Steering Fluid for a 2008 Mazda CX-7
The 2008 Mazda CX-7 requires ATF M-III, M-5, or equivalent power steering fluid
Written by David Ghanizadeh-Khoob
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
The dealer-recommended Mazda CX-7 power steering fluid is any ATF M-III, M-V, or equivalent fluid.
If you don’t know how to change your power steering fluid, then you’ve come to the right place. Checking, topping up, and changing your power steering fluid are all pretty straightforward once you know what you are looking for.
Jerry
—the super app
for car
insurance—has put together this quick guide for everything you need to know about the power steering fluid for your 2008 Mazda CX-7. We'll also go over a way to save on your Mazda
CX-7 insurance costs
.Jerry sends free alerts to keep your car up-to-date so you can avoid costly repairs
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How do I change my 2008 Mazda CX-7’s power steering fluid?
Changing your power steering fluid is a relatively easy affair. For the simplest method just follow the steps below:
- Locate the power steering fluid reservoir. It should look like a yellowing vessel. It might be under an engine cover.
- Remove the cap and insert a pump into the reservoir. The pump can be anything from a turkey baster to a soap bottle pump (cleaned, of course)
- Pump out the old power steering fluid from the reservoir. Pump into some kind of container to avoid making a mess.
- Refill the reservoir with new fluid and replace the cap.
If you are experienced working with cars and want to go the extra mile, you can flush the power steering fluid and fully replace it. This involves a few extra steps and more attention to detail because if there is any air in the system, you risk damaging your power steering pump.
- Put your car on jack stands.
- Disconnect the fluid line and let the system drain completely.
- Reconnect the line.
- Open the cap and fill the reservoir with new fluid.
- Turn the car on (don’t start it).
- With the cap still off, turn the steering wheel back and forth all the way to the left and right for a few minutes until a minute passes with no air coming out of the reservoir.
- Top of the reservoir as needed.
- Turn the car on and check the power steering.
- Replace the cap, and take the car off the jack stands.
- Drive your car around and make sure there are no signs of air in the system (you would hear a growling, grinding sound from under the hood.
If this seems like a lot to you or if you don’t want to get your hands dirty, you can always
take your car to a mechanic
. Fully flushing your power steering fluid is usually not really necessary, especially if you stay on top of changing your fluid (the first steps).MORE: How to check and add power steering fluid
Should I change it myself or take it to a mechanic?
If you are confident that you can change the fluid yourself, then go for it. A simple change doesn’t take too long, and you’ll only have to pay for the new fluid ($10 to $20).
If you don’t have the tools or the time, or if you aren’t confident in your abilities, then it is best to just let your mechanic handle it. They should be able to replace your power steering fluid in less than an hour, and the bill should be around $100 to $150.
Jerry sends free alerts to keep your car up-to-date so you can avoid costly repairs
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score
Get ahead of my car maintenance
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score
Which power steering fluid is best for a 2008 Mazda CX-7?
The 2008 Mazda CX-7 takes ATF M-III, M-V, or equivalent power steering fluid. Mazda recommends Dexron II, but this product has been discontinued. The Prestone Asian Vehicles Power Steering Fluid is the one that we would recommend, but any compatible fluid will work just fine.
Here are a few examples of fluids that would do the job:
Power steering fluid | Amount | Cost |
|---|---|---|
Prestone Asian Vehicles Power Steering Fluid | 12 ounces | $12.99 |
Peak Full Synthetic Asian Power Steering Fluid | 12 ounces | $16.49 |
Idemitsu ATF | 1 qt | $13.99 |
Royal Purple Max EZ Power Steering Fluid | 12 oz. | $6.74 |
When do I need to replace my 2008 Mazda CX-7’s power steering fluid?
The recommended change interval for your 2008 Mazda CX-7 power steering fluid is every three years or around 30,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Keep an eye and ear out for any of the warning signs that it might be time to change you power steering fluid:
- Screeching, squeaking, or grinding when you turn your steering wheel
- Difficulty turning the steering wheel
- Bubbles in your power steering fluid
- Power steering fluid leaks
- Brown or black fluid in your reservoir
Making sure you keep up with your CX-7’s
regular maintenance
is the best way to keep it running smoothly for years.How to save money on your car insurance
You spend a lot of time and money making sure your car is running smoothly. Make sure you protect your car from accidents too with the best car insurance. With the insurance broker-app
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FAQs
Can I replace the power steering fluid in my 2008 Mazda CX-7 myself?
Yes! If you want to save some money, you can replace your power steering fluid yourself!
How often should I replace my 2008 Mazda CX-7’s power steering fluid?
Roughly every 30,000 miles or every three years.
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