Power steering harness replaced... Still no power steering
 

Hey guys... i really need some help.. Before i get started, I've researched all over the forums for an answer but am feeling that my case is quite unique...

So long story short, Mazda replaced my engine a while ago. When I got it back the car only had power steering to one side and loose to the other. Since they couldn't test drive the car prior to the engine replacement, they told me they cannot take accountability for the power steering failure...

I stored my car for the winter and bought the power steering harness from Mazmart.com after trying to clean the connections to no avail... I installed the new power steering harness today and still no power steering... I tried cleaning the connectors again and putting it back on but still nothing. Took it for a test drive around the block in hopes that the power steering would magically reappear and well, you guessed it, nothing...

I noticed there was two wires (one green and one white) leading from the main black connector that is on the power steering motor to an unknown location on the original power steering harness.

My questions are: What do i do next? Is the power steering motor fried? What were those two wires on the original harness? Any help would be greatly appreciated... Thanks in advance

huh? what are you talking about, the wiring has not been changed, they updated it for better water insulation and wire quality but that's about it.

not to mention, why don't you just take the bite and buy a new Power Steering Rack? when electrical parts, especially motors and sensors, fails, it fails, it will not come back to life "magically"

this is coming from a guy (me) Who replaced a bunch of PS rack on rx8. I seen enough of it, after 10 yrs+, just expect electrical stuff starting to fail. and it will just happen more and more often.

try removing and reinstalling the EPS fuse after the car has been started.

Drive without it.... I do... About 90% of the time, Well actually recently it's been going on and off. I've enjoyed when it was working. I don't let it stress me out anymore or waste my money or time when I started a thread not to long ago asking whether it damages anything driving without it and no one came up with a solid answer. When it came back recently for 5 days straight I couldn't feel any crippled effect in the steering ability. But that is just my 2 cents on this situation.

^^ for ur question, it doesn't damage anything (when it's dead/not assisting), its just the motor that's dead. no biggie, on my FC the PS pump is so old that it doesn't make much difference with/without it. so I'm sort of used to drive without any kind of assist.

but for most people, all u need to do is replace the rack. You can do it yourself, if this is ur first time it takes maybe 5-6 hrs the most. after that just do an alignment and u're done. a little hint : it's best to have someone to help ya remove/install the rack. just ask him to hold 1 side while you move it around, it's much easier to slip it out/in

oh also, u gotta remove the passenger side radiator mount before you can slip it out, just keep an eye on the radiator don't bang your PS rack on it.

Thanks bro, .. I will keep this in mind. Correct me if I'm wrong please. Is power steering a series 1 problem only? I would assume it would better to replace it with a steering rack from an s2 to avoid another bad s1 rack, If so, do u recommend it. Is that possible? I am unaware if the s2 rack is compatible for the s1.

time and time again, people replace the rack and it still comes back to being a wiring harness problem. it is very senstive to having the proper voltage going through the wires. not only should they be clean, but be sure to lubricate them with electrical lubricant to ensure perfect contacts.

Changing the rack is not a simple job....i mean, maybe for NYCGPS haha he can do anything. but probably a pain for most mortal people.

As far as i remeber its the same rack. There is nothing wrong with the rack really. If any of you guys deal with enough eps system these days, u will know that rx8 is not alone, all eps suffered the same issue ---- the rack dies around 100k or sooner rather than later. I would assume this is a good setup, so they know u will have to buy something in the future. More $$$$ for them

I always replace it with the rack now, after dealing with dozens of dead eps ... i mean its about time, consider the car is already 11 yrs old

Rofl, well. After changing it so many times... yea it gets easier and i know some short cuts now: lol:

But some simple handtools and couple of hrs are more than enough ;)