Okay so I noticed 3 days ago a slight grind/uneasyness in the wheel taking sharp turns under 20 mph. especially way slower. Anyways it has been getting worse and I'm going to take my 8 to my mechanic and have him check it out. I figured I'd ask you guys in the meantime. I just got done driving for 20 minutes here on my lunch break, and I could now feel the problem while taking normal and fast turns as well. It seems like an uneasiness, and then ill get the "grind". It's hard to explain. I've never had this problem so I'm guessing it's something with my power steering motor, or with the power steering fluid levels. My car has 73k miles so it could be wear related. I have dry steered the wheel before, not excessively, but I know I've done it. I now know it's really bad, and I won't ever do it again.

What do ya'll think?

 

btw the grind is kinda like a slight pulse. its hard to explain. im hoping it isnt an elaborate fix.

edit: also this is felt through the steering wheel (ie: the play in the wheel while turning)

 

does the steering sometimes get stiffer to one side than the other? do you have a PS light on?

 

yup it does. but its inconsistant. like last night it went away sometimes. then here at lunch it popped up and got pretty bad. didn't make things undrivable..just annoying especially in an 8.

No lights are on though.

 

Oh and I can literally hear the "pulse/grinding" sound. When I move the wheel it'll make a soft ca-chook sound. hard to explain lol.

 

hmmmm i think youre getting condensation in your PS connector, since its right above the radiator moisture tends to build up and corrode the little metal prongs on the inside...

fix it- remove your airbox, then remove the tray underneath the airbox, youll see the PS connector right above the radiator, pull it apart, youll see metal prongs on the inside of it, clean em out with canned air ( you know that stuff to clean your keyboard with) spray em down reall good, dab some dielectric connector protector grease, plug back in and it should work fine....its happend to me before. you might wanna try that

 

Ok I am going to try that. Does this scenario correlate with my PS issue too?

The last month or so when I turn on my car in the morning the Engine Coolant light will go on, but as soon as I start driving it goes away (within 10 seconds or less..sometimes it wont come on at all). Haven't seen any problem with my coolant levels so I wrote it off as a sensor malfunction..

Thanks for the help doze

 

yeah that sounds like your have Power Steering issues, but the noise you talk about i have no idea....

your coolant sensor might be faulty....

 

like i hear the play in the wheel grind when I turn it. is that a power steering issue?

 

hmmm is the grind REALLY noticable?

 

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...+turning+wheel

Its very similiar to this problem. Now I'm trying to decide if I should take it to my mechanic or to the local mazda dealer (who I hate lol).

 

it's low on power steering fluid!


(sorry, couldn't resist...)

 

got any other 8 owners in your area that you can compare to? if its really bad i suggest you take it to a dealership

 

jedi: ...i KNOW EXACTLY what you mean, i was soooo tempted too, after a few beers i was sooo ready to say that...

 

well the local dealership took me to the D.A. for a check that bounced a year ago. But honestly they shouldn't have a problem doing work for me still..right? That was the only issue we've really had.

Besides them I'd have to take my car all the way to Denver which would be annoying.

 

yeah they shouldnt hold that against you

 

their account department will know about the check, the service writers shouldn't have a clue.

 

ya I just scheduled a service appointment for monday! woot! Ill probably have them take care of my tail light condensation and broken AC switch as well.

**** yea..more time without the 8!

 

its ok, you have the rest of your life with it

 

tru dat .

they gave friday as an option to drop my 8 off aswell. screw that. this weekend will be too nice for that.

 

I think I'm going to clean the PS connector for the hell of it. Might as well see if thats it. I have a feeling it's probably the same as in that thread..the steering assist motor.

 

I also say check the connector on the rack!

 

You could have a problem with your end links.