lVoiDl

OK so lately I have been having issues with my power steering. Its harder to make turns the it normally is. I am not sure if the power steering is gone or going. I don't know what to check or even where the fuse is for the power steering.


A few weeks ago the parking break light came on when I was driving and didn't shut off. Drove home went inside and the next day I started the car the light was gone. A few days later it came back and never went away, as of now the light is off but it was on for at least a week before it went away again.


So anyone have any ideas as to whats going on or anything I can check to see if I can fix this myself.

zoom44

find a manual and read it.

lVoiDl

Wish I had one

edit: found a PDF

Vlaze

iTrader: (14)

@ your title

dozer

iTrader: (3)

where are you located at? sounds like you need to clean your connectors

CTrx8

iTrader: (2)

mazdausa.com

lVoiDl

Lansing IL


Yes Vlaze I forgot the w in now HA HA HA.

lVoiDl

Break fluid is fine / parking break was not on / and its not

Electronic brake force distribution

system warning

because the ABS light would come on at the same time.


As for the power steering it started to get hard to turn right after I put more air in my tires.

lVoiDl

Where are these connectors and how can I check them?

otakurx

the connectors are under the airbox. They get dripped on by the coolant overflow and can get wet by water passing through the radiator. I would get some contact cleaner and clean them, the connectors on the rack itself, the power connector at the battery (that's also the EPS fuse ) then I would check your grounds. Specifically the one under the airbox and the one on the lower intake manifold, both can affect the EPS. If you have a multi-meter, check the continuity of the grounds. Excessive resistance can also cause many issues and could mean you may need to clean the negative terminal on the battery or replace the ground wire from the battery to the frame.

Bad news is if all that goes well and nothing changes you may be looking at a failing EPS rack. But with the knowledge that your also have brake issues I'd point the finger at the harnesses and grounds first. I had a similar issues with my EPS and the two grounds I mentioned had become become loose.

lVoiDl

I will check it out and report back.

lVoiDl

OK so I have no idea what im looking for, I took the air intake box out and I can see the power steering cylinder with a plug going into it on the top right under the box. What am I testing with the multi meter and what am i cleaning?


If I can even get to it.

dozer

iTrader: (3)

did you take out the tray from underneath the airbox??? there should be 2 connectors, i know ones grey and and it should be bigger than the other, should be right above the 2 fans and kinda next to the coolant reservoir

pull em apart, and clean both male and female parts with contact cleaner (electronic cleaner,keyboard duster) then dab some dielectric grease on em and connect everything back together

hope this helps and good luck

otakurx

with the meter you just want to check the ohms between the negative battery terminal and the grounding point. Rare that grounds go bad, esp so early, but it can happen. The grounds are just the spots where there is a wire bolted to the frame. I have had them come loose on the 8 before.

lVoiDl

OK yea I was looking at the one all the way at the bottom the one that goes into the steering shaft(goldish cylinder thing). That looks like a pain to get to and disconnect. Took them apart they look very clean in side and the ground looks ok as well.


sooo IDK

I am a newb when it comes to this kind of thing and I guess I am going to the dealer. I know there are not many 8 owners in the area that can help.

On a side note I tested both ends male and female with the multimeter and I didn't get anything out of either. Turned the key to see if if the car needed to be on and I still didn't get anything.

Razz1

Did you check to see if your tires are rubbing or something is caught up in the suspension?

lVoiDl

Yea does not seem to be anything in the way.


....lol if any one needs their computer fixed and lives in the Chicago area I'm willing to make a trade here.

lVoiDl

OK so the dealer is saying its the power steering rack, part number FE0132110D. Its going to be 1900 with parts and install.

1700 just for the part, and i think i just had a heart attack.


Any one know where i can look up mazda parts? possible used?

lVoiDl

Can any one give me some advice pls, I really dont have 2k to drop on my 8 and I need to know where to get this part cheeper.

Has any one bought from

http://www.mazda-parts.com

FE0132110D

It has the part for $1,062.74 then a core price? $150? making the total $1,212.74. Much better then $1700, is there anywhere else to get oem parts for the 8?

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...&siteid=214264

has it for about the same price, only issue I have is if these sites are a scam.

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

Check out Vyndictive's part out thread:
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-parts-sale-wanted-44/fs-vyndictives-oem-part-out-190185/

Last time I looked at the car, I believe the steering rack is still salvageable.
I'll have a better look this weekend, but it doesn't hurt to ask him.

lVoiDl

Sent him a PM god I hope its in good condition that would save my life here.

lVoiDl

He PMed me back saying it was not in full working condition, any one know of a reliable oem mazda parts dealer?

Or am I suck paying 1700 from the dealer?

lVoiDl

Just wanted to give an updated, thanks to the EVOLV forums, I got in contact with a guy selling a used steering rack for $350!!!!

Install from the dealer was like 200 and then a 4 wheel alignment was another 200. They just finished the install today and im going to pick it up tomorrow. They say everything is in working order and I cant wait to drive it again its been like 2 weeks with out my 8 and it feels like forever!


I will give an update when I am reunited with my 8

lVoiDl

Picked it up on my way to work today and it was like meeting an old friend who I had not seen in years. All is as it should be now.


Any one else feel this way when they are away from their 8?

streetracerkam

my power steering just went yesterday? I was driving and it just shut off and the light came on the dash.

Thankgod there is a ton of junkyards here with these parts.