Hello.

Just a quick check, how many 6MTs out there have had their steering racks changed due to a problematic sensor?


Do sound out. Thanks.

My friend had this problem but 4at 2004

My friend had this problem but 4at 2004Okay thanks. I was looking around to see if folks had any problems with a warranty claim.

More importantly, if this is a recurring problem.

i have this problem... started after i bought my 2nd hand 6MT and drove it for about 5-6 months... it happens after startup from an overnight or long park... have problems turning the wheel right, as tho there is no assistance, or it is jerky... after awhile it goes away. have yet to go and check it out cos i can still drive with it.

Almost.

The dealer/tech diagnosed it as a bad sensor, needing a new rack, but I pointed out the tech bulletin about the short harness replacement, and we did that.

Good like new.

It's the small (24") harness that goes up the radiator, and has all the ground connections on it. Tech asked the Mazda rep why there is no explanation of this harness going bad in the diagnosis procedure, they said it was "too rare"!

S

Almost.

The dealer/tech diagnosed it as a bad sensor, needing a new rack, but I pointed out the tech bulletin about the short harness replacement, and we did that.

Good like new.

It's the small (24") harness that goes up the radiator, and has all the ground connections on it. Tech asked the Mazda rep why there is no explanation of this harness going bad in the diagnosis procedure, they said it was "too rare"!

SI see. I pointed out to my dealer that this was a known problem. I did not further my research into the root cause. I just told them it felt like the input sensor (torque sensor?) of sorts have failed.

The dealer changed the rack. Now that you mentioned about this harness, which makes me wonder, if my dealer have been reading their mails...

Nevertheless, after the rack change, the steering is fine now. I am still worried about this problem recurring after the warranty period. They just gave me a replacement, but that doesn't fix the root problem on the part. :doh:

Thanks Stealth.

i have this problem... started after i bought my 2nd hand 6MT and drove it for about 5-6 months... it happens after startup from an overnight or long park... have problems turning the wheel right, as tho there is no assistance, or it is jerky... after awhile it goes away. have yet to go and check it out cos i can still drive with it.Right. I had the same problem, just that mine goes for both left or right turn on morning starts.

It starts with no steering assistance, followed by VIOLENT vibrations to the steering wheel once the assistance kicks in. During which, I have no control over the wheel and it turns by itself.

Perhaps you might want to take it to the dealer for a look. Ask them if its the same problem as what Stealth has described.

i have yet to encounter such a prob. which yr is your 6mt?

i have yet to encounter such a prob. which yr is your 6mt?YOM '04. About 50,000 kilometres on the odo.

I'm starting to encounter this problem. Usually happens in the morning after long hours of parking. Strange cause it only happens when I commence a right turn.

Any suggestions as to where I can get this problem solved?? My warranty ended long ago...

I'm starting to encounter this problem. Usually happens in the morning after long hours of parking. Strange cause it only happens when I commence a right turn.

Any suggestions as to where I can get this problem solved?? My warranty ended long ago...
As StealthTL has pointed out, it could be as simple as a problem with the harness. I've checked again with my dealer, they don't seem to be aware of this harness issue StealthTL has mentioned.

However, I heard that I weren't the only fella who reported this problem. :nono:

i have this problem too......mine is a apr 2005 4at model, current mileage is 29K only. just have this problem for less than a month :mad: :mad: :mad:

i have this problem too......mine is a apr 2005 4at model, current mileage is 29K only. just have this problem for less than a month :mad: :mad: :mad:I thought this was a 6MT model thingy. Apparently not...

Things like cracked engine mounts can be replaced cheap, even if it were to recurr after the warranty. I've already had both mine replaced.

Now the steering thingy is a totally different story... It'll probably cost me a couple of thousand dollars to get it fixed. If it is an issue with an inferior part, the root cause is not fixed and the problem will recurr after my warranty. It's going to be a long-term pain. :sweatdrop

Just an update. The specific part that the dealer replaced was the Steering Gear. A quick check on the price listed in Rosenthal website indicated that it should be about 1,600 SGD...

Sorrows...

Yeah I had mine changed as well from MM and no problem or watsoever with the claim. In fact i just told them about the prob with the steering and it only happens once a while..... with that they changed it straightaway. And also I had the engine mount changed as well when it is still under warranty ..... mazda sing is really doing a good job ..... questions asked and pointing fingers at might be due to your modification etc etc...... blah blah...... very glad I bought my car from them instead of PI.

Yep have to agree MM Spore is doing a good job replacing parts when they became problematic. Surprising since most of these parts are not cheap (listed price). Well done MM !

hi guys,

Am drivin a 04 4AT, had this stupid steering problem few months ago.. as with others who have the same problem, the symptoms are the same... and it just kept gettin worse. It takes longer and longer to settle down in the mornings before the car becomes drivable.

Anyway, I got fed up of it and did what was recommended by those who have fixed the problem....I changed the whole steering rack. Had mine done at monster G and the problem is all gone. I think its worth changing it but can't say much for Mazda and how they can have such a common enough problem with the car and yet not investigate and address the issue with owners?? Too bad for me mine's a PI car as well...

Anyway sure hope that the problem doesn't recurr again like with the engine mount problems.

I guess its up to the individual if thay can tolerate this problem. It seems ok once the car is warmed up and theres no problem... but I can't shake the fact that if this problem ocurs at a high speed corner.... car and driver are definately screwed.


Just some of my thoughts...

David

hi guys,

Am drivin a 04 4AT, had this stupid steering problem few months ago.. as with others who have the same problem, the symptoms are the same... and it just kept gettin worse. It takes longer and longer to settle down in the mornings before the car becomes drivable.

Anyway, I got fed up of it and did what was recommended by those who have fixed the problem....I changed the whole steering rack. Had mine done at monster G and the problem is all gone. I think its worth changing it but can't say much for Mazda and how they can have such a common enough problem with the car and yet not investigate and address the issue with owners?? Too bad for me mine's a PI car as well...

Anyway sure hope that the problem doesn't recurr again like with the engine mount problems.

I guess its up to the individual if thay can tolerate this problem. It seems ok once the car is warmed up and theres no problem... but I can't shake the fact that if this problem ocurs at a high speed corner.... car and driver are definately screwed.


Just some of my thoughts...

David
so you r davester....... have been hearing abt u from the rest of the monster guys but have no chance to see you. Saw ur car when they were changing the steerring rack, but still no chance to see u. Anyway, glad that ur problem is solved. Hope you look forward to ur upcoming project.

so you r davester....... have been hearing abt u from the rest of the monster guys but have no chance to see you. Saw ur car when they were changing the steerring rack, but still no chance to see u. Anyway, glad that ur problem is solved. Hope you look forward to ur upcoming project.

Ya, have not had the pleasure of formally meeting u.

Well have been popping into this forum intermittently and gettin poisoned as you guys say... so now itchy backside cannot tahan n doin this big project..

looking forward to meeting u . cheers

Paulk,

As mentioned in my earlier post, had the problem, apparently changing the whole steering rack solves the problem. I did mine. so far so good now for several months.

The cases you mentioned where others changed parts but the problem returned...was the whole steering rack changed completely??

Dave

Right. I had the same problem, just that mine goes for both left or right turn on morning starts.

It starts with no steering assistance, followed by VIOLENT vibrations to the steering wheel once the assistance kicks in. During which, I have no control over the wheel and it turns by itself.

Perhaps you might want to take it to the dealer for a look. Ask them if its the same problem as what Stealth has described.


Had this problem especially during morning run. Did not complain to MM but they offered to replace my steering rack after a servicing inspection. Mine had been driving for 2.5 yrs with 50k mailage. Beside engine mount had also been replace. FYI pls.

Actually, does anyone know what is the ROOT cause of the steering problem? Sorry to sound kinda negative but I personally don't think it's a defective batch of steering racks, thus even if you change the steering rack, I believe the condition will reappear again after time if the root cause is still present. I think it might be heat related, but if anyone knows the real reason or suspects some other cause, please share with us.

Hi all, was looking to get a 8 from PI but am checking out wats the common inherent prob. So wat will be the estimated cost to change the steering rack and engine mounting?

Steering rack may have prob in 2.5yrs time and engine mounting to be changed at about every 10,000KM? Pls advise

I am driving a 4at about 40k mileage. From PI.

I am having the same problem in the mornings? If this is a widespread problem and involved safety; shouldn't there be a global recall? Like the toyota wish?

Have the same problem before with my MM yr 2004 6MT but was rectify at MM as it was still under warranty.

I remember the technical guy told me it was due to some sensor malfunction at the steering. The items stated in the invoice which have been replaced are known as R&R steering gear assembly and R&R combination switch. Not too sure what the heck is that but hope it can helps a bit :)

Seems like the steering wheel problem is quite usual among RX8 and more interesting to know it always happens on the right turn!

Oh forgot to state i am from s'pore :lol2:

Yup, it is a fairly common problem, but perhaps not widespread as to affect every 8 on the road so no global recall of any sort. Mine was also replaced by MM under warranty. I suspect the problem is the steering rack cannot take the heat of the rotary engine. It is Mazda's first vehicle featuring an electric steering rack afterall. Hope they solved the problem with the new steering rack that I'm running on now.

ive encountered the same prob. just happened recently, odo is 54k... sent it back to MM and they replaced the rack n engine mounts. mine is a 6MT '04 model

ive encountered the same prob. just happened recently, odo is 54k... sent it back to MM and they replaced the rack n engine mounts. mine is a 6MT '04 model

Is the engine mount affected too? They never changed mine though.....Like to get it changed too before warranty is up

changing mine next week as MM have to order the stock after 40k.

must say their service and their staff fantastic. no question ask.

so far change mounting, alternator, rear shocks, steering rack. the only problem is why this car so many issues, even new.

but dunno why....just love to drive it :) if it had happen to my sedan, would have dump it earlier

hi guys,

i'm a newbie here and i would like to enquire about this fault as well.

i've also experienced this painful ordeal...

i just bought a resale '04AT Rx8 and i've encountered this unresponsive steering everyday in the morning.....

so should i just change:

1. the whole Steering Rack?? (how much will it cost? where to change?)
2. the Steering Harness?? (how much will it cost? where to change?)
3. the R&R Steering Gear Assembly + R&R Combination Switch

pls advise....as this car is from a PI one....
really sian about this steering problem....

darnn

thanks, gentlemen!

I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH my powersteering, figured it out though and i saved A LOT OF TIME!!!!!! UNDER THE AIRBOX RIGHT ABOVE THE RADIATOR ARE YOUR CONNECTORS, get some canned air( duster, or electronic cleaner) and clean out the connectors then put them back together and you got your power steering BACK!!!!!! it happens to go out cus of evaporation from the radiator!!!! it started to corrode the metal pieces in the connectors jus give a good cleaning and put some light bulb grease on em and your set!!!! mine went our 6 months ago and i havent had any problems with it since ive cleaned it out.....SUPER EASY PROCESS ONLY TAKES 10 to 20 MINUTES

since the powersteering cable connect right above the radiator, evaporation starts to corrode the metal connectors, all you gotta do is give em a good cleaning and youre set , a little light bulb grease should help with the corrosion...

Thanks Dozer... now can those who have this problem in SG try it out and let us know if it works? Just wanna show once and for all if this harness/wiring/connector solution actually works or whether our steering rack problem is different.

Hi Dozer,

Thanks for the info, let me try it out and see if it work ... then maybe I can save some money ;-)

Cheers !!! * keep my finger cross*

Drifter

since the powersteering cable connect right above the radiator, evaporation starts to corrode the metal connectors, all you gotta do is give em a good cleaning and youre set , a little light bulb grease should help with the corrosion...

Hi Dozer,

Thanks for the info, let me try it out and see if it work ... then maybe I can save some money ;-)

Cheers !!! * keep my finger cross*

Drifter

Keep us posted if it works for you n if it does which is great news to a lot of us... maybe u could organise a DIY session to show the rest of us how to go about cleaning the connectors cos i'm sure there'll be others like me - i can read the words, but translating them into action is another thing :lol2:

could be weak battery or weak alternator. Mine went away when they change alternator. But in my next servicing, they also change the steering rack as had to order, juz in case

Anyway, when i had this problem, the power steering will suddenly fail anytime of the day.

IMO, it is a safety issue. was driving down the highway and when i was abt to make a bend the Power steering become heavy and light and heavy..... have to guess how much strength to apply. if turn too much rite at the moment of heavy to light sequence, would probably turn too much on to the next lane!!!

^^^^ mine did the same thing and i got scared, but then again you only need PS during slow speeds(its a bitch not having it and tryin to parallel park).REMEMBER WHOEVER is gonna try this theres 2 connectors(your gonna see em right in front of your face), YOUR cleaning the one WITH the THICKER CABLES not the smaller connector cus i dont know what thats for

could be weak battery or weak alternator. Mine went away when they change alternator. But in my next servicing, they also change the steering rack as had to order, juz in case

Anyway, when i had this problem, the power steering will suddenly fail anytime of the day.

IMO, it is a safety issue. was driving down the highway and when i was abt to make a bend the Power steering become heavy and light and heavy..... have to guess how much strength to apply. if turn too much rite at the moment of heavy to light sequence, would probably turn too much on to the next lane!!!

first i tried gettin a better battery, but no use, i still have my stock alternator,and it works fine.......damn REALLY hope this works for you guys!!!! cus i LOVE drivin my car AND i know what its like NOT to have POWER STEERING...and having to lose your car for a couple of days is a BITCH!!a waste of time and money,hopefully u guys get this figured out....CUS it worked FINE for me, my PS is perfect....

any results yet??????

why so loonnng the the reply people??????it only takes 30 mins to check if it works....

just cut off the connector(at the radiator) and resoldered the wires of the torque sensor signal together. I did not touch the power(thicker) wires. let see if it holds up

since the powersteering cable connect right above the radiator, evaporation starts to corrode the metal connectors, all you gotta do is give em a good cleaning and youre set , a little light bulb grease should help with the corrosion...

Hi, Bro. Could you post a picture to show whick connector and it's location. Appreciated

Hey you know what, why wait for them to corrode? I'm gonna grease mine rightaway!

And to think that during my ICT, I had so much grease easily available cos we use tons of the stuff for our tanks and AFVs...

dont know how to post pics, but yeah right under your airbox are 2 connectors i think the one to the PS is grey and looks like it has a thick ground cable....pull it apart and clean it with canned air and put a little bulb grease on the metal parts and plug em right back in and you should be good....

UPDATES:

That day I managed to remove the air filter box and also checked the connectors just above the radiator. Have cleaned the connectors although the connectors looks clean to me.

I have also tried to clean the connector right at the power steering unit itself, but unfortunately, I did not managed to remove it because this connector has melted thus stuck, I believe its due to the high heat.

Sad thing is my steering still give me the judder in the morning when the car is cool even after I have cleaned the connectors. - I guess I need to spend the money to replace the steering rack when it becomes worst..

Sorry for the bad news brothers ...................


Keep us posted if it works for you n if it does which is great news to a lot of us... maybe u could organise a DIY session to show the rest of us how to go about cleaning the connectors cos i'm sure there'll be others like me - i can read the words, but translating them into action is another thing :lol2:

hm...how much would it cost to change the steering rack???

mine from PI, warranty only 20k. Think have to fork out from my own pocket for the change.

Anyway to prevent or prolong the steering rack lifespan?

less than 2 k =p ..i think...

first i tried gettin a better battery, but no use, i still have my stock alternator,and it works fine.......damn REALLY hope this works for you guys!!!! cus i LOVE drivin my car AND i know what its like NOT to have POWER STEERING...and having to lose your car for a couple of days is a BITCH!!a waste of time and money,hopefully u guys get this figured out....CUS it worked FINE for me, my PS is perfect....

It does not work for every case... u may be lucky enough to have less severe case of PS problem, but many cases, what you did is considered only the tip of the iceberg.

Hey everyone -

1) any updates on this? more people with the problem? Any solutions?

2) Can someone please describe their symptoms in detail?? I am having this but it is only intermittantly. Maybe every minute or two during a turn, does not seem to vary by vehicle speed. My alternator and battery are pretty new and fine. I have a 2004 MT.

3) So far what have been the solutions? has anyone else fixed this by cleaning connectors? Is the problem with the connectors (and you can just replace those) or is it actually some problem with the rack itself, and the whole thing needs to be changed??

thanks so much....this just started 2 days ago and is worrying the shit out of me....