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Power Steering, the definite way to rule out harness issues.

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Old 12-04-2019, 04:02 PM
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I get hesitant or sometimes almost no elec. Steering assistance turning the wheel right only, left is fine. However I've never gotten the PS light ever. I soldered the 3 wire torque connector under the air box after getting a new harness, and checked the resistance all the way from ECU to the steering rack connections and cleaned those end connections. I don't know how to do a good solder connection at the ECU or rack end connection on those small pins.

I'm wondering if, in these rewiring/cleaning success stories, some members did NOT have any light at all , but just hesitant ps assist as in my case? Or was the problem in fact the actual rack /integrated torque sensor in some members cases? I'm just getting to the point where I think it must be the rack itself, but really don't feel like wasting that kind of money. Appreciate anyone's help!
Old 12-04-2019, 04:06 PM
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Originally Posted by SM RX-8
I get hesitant or sometimes almost no elec. Steering assistance turning the wheel right only, left is fine. However I've never gotten the PS light ever. I soldered the 3 wire torque connector under the air box after getting a new harness, and checked the resistance all the way from ECU to the steering rack connections and cleaned those end connections. I don't know how to do a good solder connection at the ECU or rack end connection on those small pins.

I'm wondering if, in these rewiring/cleaning success stories, some members did NOT have any light at all , but just hesitant ps assist as in my case? Or was the problem in fact the actual rack /integrated torque sensor in some members cases? I'm just getting to the point where I think it must be the rack itself, but really don't feel like wasting that kind of money. Appreciate anyone's help!
When it fails because of the connector you loose all power assist. it sounds like you have problems only in one direction.

You might want to look at the torque sensor output or the rack itself. You should be able to get a used rack easily...
Old 03-27-2020, 05:08 AM
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Originally Posted by SM RX-8
I get hesitant or sometimes almost no elec. Steering assistance turning the wheel right only, left is fine. However I've never gotten the PS light ever. I soldered the 3 wire torque connector under the air box after getting a new harness, and checked the resistance all the way from ECU to the steering rack connections and cleaned those end connections. I don't know how to do a good solder connection at the ECU or rack end connection on those small pins.

I'm wondering if, in these rewiring/cleaning success stories, some members did NOT have any light at all , but just hesitant ps assist as in my case? Or was the problem in fact the actual rack /integrated torque sensor in some members cases? I'm just getting to the point where I think it must be the rack itself, but really don't feel like wasting that kind of money. Appreciate anyone's help!
did you end up fixing this issue? I have the exact problem and I’m totally stuck
Old 03-27-2020, 06:16 AM
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No, however I did shoot a ton of spray grease and wd40 down under the rubber boot cover where the steering column joins the rack, letting it run down the column towards the rack. definitely improved my problem significantly. Still there sometimes but not nearly as bad or often. I had been chasing an electrical issue all this time, however I fear it's been the rack and or torque converter, I suspect a mechanical sliding issue with the torque converter. I feel like if I could get to those bolts between the column and the rack easier and disengage everything, and clean and grease the hell out of it, it would probably work perfect. However I'm afraid about realigning the column etc myself. As I don't have a lift to do the work etc. If you give this a try, please let me know, thanks!
Old 02-14-2023, 10:12 AM
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Problem fixed

Update to this thread...After years of intermittent shaky steering, intermittent tough turning, without any steering malfn light, I started to get crunching noise from the steering rack. Had the rack replaced by Mazda and works perfect. So usually the culprit is the steering harness but quite a few also are an issue with the rack itself.
Old 04-18-2023, 10:17 PM
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Does anyone have a copy of the steering service manual from rotary heads?
Old 04-21-2023, 08:59 PM
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Dont waste your time, get a new rack, its not that expensive
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