Automotive Forums  Where Car Enthusiasts Go to Discuss Cars Online

2001 Mazda Millenia has severe morning sickness in the steering. When I turn the steering wheel either right or left while sitting still there is a constant bump, bump, bump. It doesn't cause me a problem when driving. I believe it is either the power steering pump or the rack & pinion steering. I am not loosing power steering fluid.  Is there a power steering pump filter that may be clogged?  The shop I where I took it, put some additive in the power Steering fluid. It didn't help. Without properly diagnosing the problem, their other solution was to replace the rack & pinion steering at a cost of about $1000.00.     Any ideas to check before I go that route?

 

Hey TommyDog.... listen I am having the exact same problem, and it only happens in the mornings while stopped, but if a make a really hard left or rt there is also a screeching noise that sounds like a belt that is not working...I also have a 01 millenia. I have 20inch rims and tires on my care which i have had for over 4 years now and every shop i have taken it to has told me that it is because of the tires (which i know it is not because it just started). I am sorry I can't help you because i am in the same boat as you, but it sure feels good to know that i am not crazy... because i am a woman alot of these shops just tell me anything... i have beeen told that there are five different things wrong... rack and pinion, power steering pump, timing belt, wheel bearings...ect.... If you get an answer from anywhere.... please please please let me know... i am desperate here... i don't have a grand to spend on something that may not fix the problem you know? i am on my way to another shop this morning, if a get any diagnostic that makes sense i will sure let you know...  

Both of your problems sound like the racks have gone out on them. The really aren't out it is they are bypassing fluid until the seals heat up. Look into a reman. unit they run 404.99 at autozone. I also found there is a power steering pump filter on this car. Autozone has those for 17.99. I would try that first if it was me.  

 what could be the problem with my 99 mazda millenia if when im only going 1mph or stopped and im trying to turn right or left and the car starts to turn the opposite way?