Steering problems.

COLDBEAR71

MEMBER
2001 MAZDA MILLENIA
120,000 MILES

When backing out in the morning the power steering doesn't seem to be working. Same thing when I first pull forward. It's like a click, click, click sensation. After driving it the steering seems to work fine. Sometimes there doesn't seem to be a problem. Once the car is warmed up it usually works fine.

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,916 POSTS

I'm not sure what to make of the clicking noise but loss of power steering assist when the fluid is still cold is usually a sign of internal leakage in the rack and pinion steering gear. The clue is the power assist will return or be missing when turning in one direction but not the other at times. If the assist is always lost to both directions at the same time, that points to a pump problem, but those don't typically start working again when they warm up.