liljokah

I went to pick up my RX-8 from the dealership after not having it for nearly 8 months (long clutch bracket assembly recall nightmare story) and noticed something odd on the service ticket that said "Grinding noise coming from power steering." Puzzled, I paid the cashier, collected my keys and went to the car. I started it up and began to pull it out of the parking spot. As soon as I started turning on the wheel, I heard the horrible grinding noise. It is not constant, but instead I could turn the wheel almost one full rotation, and then it would get to a spot where the grinding noise would start and the wheel would become more difficult to turn. I could also "feel" the grinding in the steering wheel. After turning the wheel back and forth several times to try to determine where the noise was coming from, it became extremely difficult to turn when it would hit these seizing points.

I just had 2 master keys made for the car while it was at the dealer. When I talked to the tech about the grinding noise. He let slip that they had to "break" the steering lose after making the keys. The dealership service manager is trying to tell me that if the car was towed using a dolly under the rear wheels, that it could cause a problem with the power steering. Something to do with the front wheels still being locked in place could harm the electronic power assist. Can anyone verify this? Is the dealership just making excuses? Please let me know your opinions.

xexok

I wouldn't of paid the cashier or signed a receipt or accepted my keys until that was explained to me. Did it grind when you dropped it off? If not they need to fix it for you and not charge you a cent IMO.

oltmann

Yes, the car should be towed with the rear wheels off the ground, and the steering wheel unlocked. A flatbed is preferable.

Or, somebody at the dealership might have gone for a joyride and hit a curb.

In either case, I have driven with a damaged steering rack, and it is just like you describe. It could be an expensive fix.

Either the dealer or the towing company should be held liable for the damage, might be best to file a claim with your insurance and let them go after the responsible party.