Brzenski III

That hasn’t been a problem I attached a longer hose. That’s the first thing I did when I bought it😅

Brzenski III

So I got rid of my light by getting rid of those connections. But now my steering is still gone and it’s hard to turn before so could be my steering rack or the whole steering system ?

Kdidp

Recently acquired my rx-8. Among a few other fun things, Just started having this issue of intermittent power steering. It seems like its cutting out when its been raining. Once its clear enough out I'm going to get into it all. My plan is to clean all the connectors, inspect the contacts to make sure they are effectively contacting, and then apply dielectric grease to them to seal them and prevent future corrosion.
I've also noticed that the steering angle sensor has a broken bolt at the top mount point, so that going to get extracted/drilled out, re-tapped, and appropriately fastened. I imagine the angle sensor can't sense the angle proper when it moves around with everything else...
When I'm in there i'm going to also inspect the wires and check for any other points where moisture can get into the system and create weird issues. I'll be back with my results and probably some pictures to share.

Brzenski III

Good luck

Kdidp

It's been interesting over the past few months. pretty much everything was broken. I have a whole lot that I've learned and can share, but that's all probably content for other topics.

Ftangftang

Well it has been over a year since I started having power steering problems and after reading this forum thread and others, I think I have finally got it fixed. Here is what I did:

Initially I took it to the stealership, naturally they told me it was the module and told me it would be $1800 to fix it. I said no thank you and turned to this forum. First thing I tried was to clean the connectors, although they did not appear to be dirty or wet in any way. I had never had a boilover and the top connector was clean as a whistle. I got a longer overflow hose and routed it away from the connectors. Next I ordered a new harness and, just in case the diagnosis from the stealership was correct, a used module. Replaced both parts, one at a time, no luck. I tried checking the voltages and resistances on various points of the system, everything was good. I had also had read here that a low output from the alternator could lead to ps problems, so I had the alternator tested, they said the output was good but the voltage regulator was bad. I decided to go for a high output alternator as I run my audio system pretty loud, it has Rockford Fosgate amps, 200 watts subwoofer and 100 watts x 4 for the four component speaker sets. I replaced it, ps still didn't work. I decided to drive the car anyway and just get used to no power steering.

The next morning I left work, started the car.... AND IT WAS WORKING! and it stayed working for several months. Then it started to occasionally go out but it would usually come back on after turning off the engine and restarting some time later. This went on over several more months, it was pretty rare to go out but it did every couple of weeks. Then it started happening more frequently. At this point I tried wiggling the main power connector to the steering rack. This would usually get it going again.. So finally I pulled the harness, cleaned the contacts thoroughly, sanded the ground wire connection, and this time when I put dielectric grease on them I put A LOT in, enough so that it spooged out when I put them together.

Now it is working again and has been for several weeks. I am pretty sure at this point that it was a combination of a weak alternator and bad connections. My number one recommendation for anyone with this problem would be to clean the contacts and use a generous amount of dielectric grease. Good luck to all of you.

Fijibluefg2

So essentially, you still didn’t figure out the cause of the problem nor the fix. Lol. **** started working on its own it seems. Haha.

Alternator issues could have easily been tested by having everything OFF and a new battery. I doubt the power steering would have started working. It’s obvious that it’s a connector issue and one or more of the many failure points.

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

With all due respect, all he can do is report the experience to date. At least he had enough sense to have it tested rather than just swap out parts or blindly commit himself to the clueless stealership ripoff process. He even came back and admitted what you’re going on about, which makes him a standup guy in my book.

I’m inclined to give that more weight than your haughty, noobish sniping. You can’t even post a basic statement without resorting to pointless expletives. Perhaps you deceive yourself of your own value in this thread. I never soldered mine and as am strongly opposed to that now as I was over more than a decade ago. Go get a room with yourself already ...

Fijibluefg2

Why are you going off on me for? He started off his post with “I finally got it fixed, here’s what I did” then proceeded to tell an awesome story but in the end, he still doesn’t know what in the world was the root cause and what action fixed the issue. I’m just pointing that out. I didn’t mean to come off sounding like an *** or anything.

From all the years and posts about this issue, we can agree that it’s the damn connectors that are at fault 90% of the time. I’ve personally fixed 3 RX-8s using the contact cleaning method and grease as described in this forum.

Based on his story, it sounds like he doesn’t know what the heck fixed the problem. The car mended itself. I find that funny. Lol.

Chill out. Yes he’s a standup guy for coming in here and telling us about his year long struggle. I applaud him.

Ftangftang

Well. I just wanted to add my two cents to this vexing problem that many people have and who try all manner of things to fix it. I didn't realize I'd get flamed for it. I just wanted to help people out. No, I don't know EXACTLY what fixed the problem, or even if it is permanently fixed. So what? This is merely my experience. If this is the kind of reply I'm going to get, I don't think I will be posting anymore.

Fijibluefg2

Why are you guys so sensitive to simple criticism and discussion? Nobody is attacking you in anyway.

I personally appreciated your story and glad you saved $1,000 by avoiding the dealer. It obvious that they would have replaced the module and it wouldn’t have fixed anything. Then they would have wanted to charge you another $1,000 to replace some other expensive part, like the rack itself, which wouldn’t have fixed the issue either, rinse lather and repeat.

You'd think after all this time that Mazda would have figured out the problem and make it easy for owners to repair their poor RX-8s but seems that is not the case. Sadly.

Steve-O

So my power steering light finally came on after 15 years. I recently had to swap out my radiator as it was leaking so I'm guessing the issue is that the overflow tube sprayed on the connectors. I wasn't aware of the short overflow tube prior to looking this up. Where does one purchase a longer overflow tube?

I started the process of cleaning the connections but got stuck taking out the intake box. I watched this video on how to do it: I can't seem to get the back to pop up, however. The guy in the video makes it look so easy. The front seems to pop forward ok but the back doesn't want to budge. Any ideas? Also, after giving up on the intake box removal, I reconnected my battery and the power steering magically worked for a day then went out again. I'm guessing that means it's most likely the connection?

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

Now go back and read your response to my previous post and tell me that’s not truly ironic.

sizza

Tried it today and it didn't work.

Think my problem is actually the rack

ibuky

I recently changed coolant and put water temp sensor between the hoses below the battery, and overflowed some coolant from the hoses and reservoir a little (due to just my novice skill..
After changing, to put back the car to the parking, I found that EPS light is on and the steering is hard to turn.
I assume overflowed coolant could cause the issue and found this nice thread.
I will try them and soon reply the result.

ibuky

I tried this weekend, but things did not become fine....
I will do some continuity test for the cables and connectors with mechanics.
If your 8 is right-hand-drive, the power steering rack is placed at opposite position, so the connectors to the rack is underneath the battery cover.

ibuky

Finally, my EPS come back functioning normally!
The engineer said he did diassembly the harness and check the connecotor (maybe apply contact cleaner),
and replace EPS ECU with one that functions.
Unfortunately, I don't know whether diassembly or ECU replacement resulted in successful function...
So far, no trouble.