Rack and Pinion or Power Steering Pump?
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Rack and Pinion or Power Steering Pump?
No power steering assist when parked. Very hard and heavy must use 2 hand to turn wheel. Easy to turn when car is moving/driving.
I replaced the rack and pinion when it leaked into the inside floorboard, and this no power steering assist happened. So I thought the power steering pump must have gave out also. Replaced pump and both belts. Flushed twice with Honda PS Fluid to no avail. No leaks, no whining noise. I also jack up the front end, both wheels off the ground, turned the key to the ON position and the steering wheel moves left to right easy, smooth like butter. What could be causing this?
I replaced the rack and pinion when it leaked into the inside floorboard, and this no power steering assist happened. So I thought the power steering pump must have gave out also. Replaced pump and both belts. Flushed twice with Honda PS Fluid to no avail. No leaks, no whining noise. I also jack up the front end, both wheels off the ground, turned the key to the ON position and the steering wheel moves left to right easy, smooth like butter. What could be causing this?
Top Answer
Oct 2, 2016
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
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From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
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Re: Rack and Pinion or Power Steering Pump?
If this happened as soon as the steering rack was replaced, it stands to reason the new reman rack is faulty (or maybe you forgot to remove a plug before install, but that would probably cause noise and fluid overheating really quick).
Can I guess it was rebuilt by A-1 Cardone?
If you sit still at a stop, car on the ground, and rev up the engine a little bit does that RPM increase allow some power assist?
Can you see fluid circulating in the reservoir while the engine is running?
Grab a cheap used pump from the salvage yard and try it?
Can I guess it was rebuilt by A-1 Cardone?
If you sit still at a stop, car on the ground, and rev up the engine a little bit does that RPM increase allow some power assist?
Can you see fluid circulating in the reservoir while the engine is running?
Grab a cheap used pump from the salvage yard and try it?
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
Likes: 256
From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 517 Re: Rack and Pinion or Power Steering Pump?
If this happened as soon as the steering rack was replaced, it stands to reason the new reman rack is faulty (or maybe you forgot to remove a plug before install, but that would probably cause noise and fluid overheating really quick).
Can I guess it was rebuilt by A-1 Cardone?
If you sit still at a stop, car on the ground, and rev up the engine a little bit does that RPM increase allow some power assist?
Can you see fluid circulating in the reservoir while the engine is running?
Grab a cheap used pump from the salvage yard and try it?
Can I guess it was rebuilt by A-1 Cardone?
If you sit still at a stop, car on the ground, and rev up the engine a little bit does that RPM increase allow some power assist?
Can you see fluid circulating in the reservoir while the engine is running?
Grab a cheap used pump from the salvage yard and try it?
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If this happened as soon as the steering rack was replaced, it stands to reason the new reman rack is faulty (or maybe you forgot to remove a plug before install, but that would probably cause noise and fluid overheating really quick).
Can I guess it was rebuilt by A-1 Cardone?
If you sit still at a stop, car on the ground, and rev up the engine a little bit does that RPM increase allow some power assist?
Can you see fluid circulating in the reservoir while the engine is running?
Grab a cheap used pump from the salvage yard and try it?
Can I guess it was rebuilt by A-1 Cardone?
If you sit still at a stop, car on the ground, and rev up the engine a little bit does that RPM increase allow some power assist?
Can you see fluid circulating in the reservoir while the engine is running?
Grab a cheap used pump from the salvage yard and try it?
I rev and the RPM goes up, but no power assist still or maybe a very little tad of assist (must use both hands still to turn).
Yes fluid is circulating.
I touched the belt and it seems looser than normal, I'll re-tight in morning
Most likely try the savage pump over then weekend if its not the belt.
Hopefully not a faulty rack cause I also had other work done at the same time. I tear down old ps pump, alternator, belts, to get to my ac clutch bearing replacement.
Last edited by JuNiOrTs; Oct 2, 2016 at 10:19 PM.
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Joined: Dec 2011
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From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 517 Re: Rack and Pinion or Power Steering Pump?
I really shouldn't need to explain why that brand was my first guess LOL
Bad new parts can drive you crazy second guessing your own diagnosis, unless you realize how high the failure and return rate is.
I'm 99% sure it won't be the belt or the pump.
Bad new parts can drive you crazy second guessing your own diagnosis, unless you realize how high the failure and return rate is.
I rev and the RPM goes up, but no power assist still or maybe a very little tad of assist.
Yes fluid is circulating.
I touched the belt and it seems looser than normal, I'll re-tight in morning
Most likely try the savage pump over then weekend if its not the belt.
Yes fluid is circulating.
I touched the belt and it seems looser than normal, I'll re-tight in morning
Most likely try the savage pump over then weekend if its not the belt.
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A1-Cardone rack $170
PS pump $90
Belt $8
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Joined: Dec 2011
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From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 517 Re: Rack and Pinion or Power Steering Pump?
If you could find the right pressure tester that would tell you if the pump is good or not.
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Re: Rack and Pinion or Power Steering Pump?
Hey JuNiOrTs, Sorry for this situation. Is there any possibility, you can call our tech service team 888-280-TECH (8324)?
- Thank You, Phil From CARDONE Industries
- Thank You, Phil From CARDONE Industries
Yes A-1 Cardone, why..? lol
I rev and the RPM goes up, but no power assist still or maybe a very little tad of assist (must use both hands still to turn).
Yes fluid is circulating.
I touched the belt and it seems looser than normal, I'll re-tight in morning
Most likely try the savage pump over then weekend if its not the belt.
Hopefully not a faulty rack cause I also had other work done at the same time. I tear down old ps pump, alternator, belts, to get to my ac clutch bearing replacement.
I rev and the RPM goes up, but no power assist still or maybe a very little tad of assist (must use both hands still to turn).
Yes fluid is circulating.
I touched the belt and it seems looser than normal, I'll re-tight in morning
Most likely try the savage pump over then weekend if its not the belt.
Hopefully not a faulty rack cause I also had other work done at the same time. I tear down old ps pump, alternator, belts, to get to my ac clutch bearing replacement.
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
Likes: 256
From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 517 Re: Rack and Pinion or Power Steering Pump?
Do you guys monitor forums like this looking for your brand name to show up, or..... how did you find this thread?
I have had real problems with (Cardone) reman water pumps for some older Mazdas, coming from the dealership parts departments. Mostly leaking within the first couple years after install, along with the blasted finish on the gasket surfaces and non-steel gaskets where OE had a nice smooth machined surface and steel gaskets.
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We have our ways! 
If you are interested in calling our tech service team, let me know and I'll tell them you are calling.
- Thank You, Phil From CARDONE Industries
If you are interested in calling our tech service team, let me know and I'll tell them you are calling.
- Thank You, Phil From CARDONE Industries
Welcome to the forum.
Do you guys monitor forums like this looking for your brand name to show up, or..... how did you find this thread?
I have had real problems with (Cardone) reman water pumps for some older Mazdas, coming from the dealership parts departments. Mostly leaking within the first couple years after install, along with the blasted finish on the gasket surfaces and non-steel gaskets where OE had a nice smooth machined surface and steel gaskets.
Do you guys monitor forums like this looking for your brand name to show up, or..... how did you find this thread?
I have had real problems with (Cardone) reman water pumps for some older Mazdas, coming from the dealership parts departments. Mostly leaking within the first couple years after install, along with the blasted finish on the gasket surfaces and non-steel gaskets where OE had a nice smooth machined surface and steel gaskets.
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
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From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 517 Re: Rack and Pinion or Power Steering Pump?
I really don't know if A1 still does the remans for them now or not......But if you'd like to let them know about the reman water pumps your company was supplying to Mazda and sold under the Mazda brand as OE remans in years past, feel free.
Want to start building Prelude TCMs instead?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
Likes: 256
From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 517 Re: Rack and Pinion or Power Steering Pump?
I'm pleasantly surprised that a representative of the company made an account just to dive into this thread and offer assistance.
Make sure to update the thread, let us know what happens.
Make sure to update the thread, let us know what happens.
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Car was dropped off at my mechanic shop, before his post to offer assistance.
Mechanic found the Rack & Pinion and PS Pump both failed.
Called the parts store regarding Refund for cash, Yes it was possible if I showed repair receipt from mechanic shop with his new parts.
Otherwise it would have been a warranty swap for same parts.
I went with the mechanics parts to get the work/parts warranty.
Car works fine now. Happy with results.
mechanic parts were also remans parts, but from another maker
Similar price range $15 more R&P, $45 more PS pump
Labor cost me $300
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