Power steering problem??

[chertel]

I have a problem with my power steering. When I am backing out of my driveway and going slow it is hard to turn the wheel and squeeks a lot? Sometimes when I am just standing still at a light and try and turn the wheel it is kind of hard and squeeks. the power steering fluid it full. I probably already know the answer but could this be a problem with the power steering pump? or could it be anything else.
thank's
Chris

[pox]

Dont have an answer for you, but mine does the same thing. Free bump, lookin for answers. =]

[_-Night-Shade-_]

It's probably the pump, possible signs that it might be going soon. My friend has the same thing but since it's hard to tell exactly how much life is left in it he's just driving it till it goes.

[93vtecklr]

So, your fluid is full eh... The pump is going, I'm no mechanic, barely a diy'r but when i had my new k8 put in after my failed ze attempt (yes 2 yrs later i still cry about it...) that sucker screamed!!! I mean i started the car and it sounded like every belt was squeeling, about 60dbs! Loud, and major strong arm steering issues, that's how you know when it's done. BTW, the car sat for 5.5 months during the 'attempt' and the o-rings dried out, that was the only issue, aside from the mega puddle of fluid....

[chertel]

Another question, If I cant find a power steering fluid pump for a mx3 will a pump for a mx6, mazda 626 or millenia work??
thanx
chris

[Ryan]

I believe they are all mostly the same. Look for a similar mounting style, coupling location, and belt type. Junkers would get you one. I think F series had the same one.

[chertel]

Thanx I was just asking because on ebay I found one that said it would work on a mx-3, millenia, mx-6 and 6 26? It was over two hundered bucks though. So far when the car has been sitting its hard to turn the wheel but when the car is warm and driven its fine. Does the power steering pump have a belt though? Its hard to see without getting under the car.
thanx
chris

[DJsMX-3]

Im no expert on this subject, but wouldnt it be a lot easier and cheaper to check the drivebelt before doing the pump and everything?

You say yourself that its squealing, sign that the belt is loose or worn.
You allso say that it gets better, when you drive it, allso a sign of a loose or worn belt

Maybe you can tighten the belt, i cant remember.
Look in the online manual and you will be able to see, if you cant adjust it, then start with replacing the belt.

Most likely that will fix your problem and if not you havent wasted money on parts you wont need

[Ryan]

Sorry, I assumed you were inclined enough to have checked the belt....

it runs a serptentine belt. its usually on the same loop as the air conditioning. on my BP it is independent. I believe you loosen the actual pump and slide it along a bracket to tighten the belt.

is there fluid in the resevoir?

[Nd4SpdSe]

Im no expert on this subject, but wouldnt it be a lot easier and cheaper to check the drivebelt before doing the pump and everything?

You say yourself that its squealing, sign that the belt is loose or worn.
You allso say that it gets better, when you drive it, allso a sign of a loose or worn belt

Maybe you can tighten the belt, i cant remember.
Look in the online manual and you will be able to see, if you cant adjust it, then start with replacing the belt.

Most likely that will fix your problem and if not you havent wasted money on parts you wont need

I agree. I'm surprised no one mentioned that earlier.

I've had 3-4 pump failure on the 626. They didn't squeal, but make a different type of whining but that's because when they fail they start to leak fluid, and they don't like that.

[chertel]

My mechanic told me the pump was going and he had no idea how long it would last. I was just looking into it further myself and asking questions so there is no need to take shots at me and call me not inclined. I don't just take one guys word for anything.

[chertel]

gee Ryan maybe I forgot to fill the resevoir