Power Steering Issue

[Skilid]

Hi guys,

Had my Mazda 3 MPS about a month now and I've notice and issue with the power steering. Sometimes it can be quite heavy, but the main problem is at low speed it doesn't return to centre smoothly, it returns in stages. So instead of one fluid motion, it does it in several steps. So it goes back a certain amount then stops for half a second, then goes a bit more, then stops for half a second until it returns to centre. It doesn't really take any longer than normal to return, just it doesn't return properly.

Hydraulic steering, 2008 model, tyres/wheels are fine.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

 

[Rab77]

Have you checked your Power Steering Fluid level? And does the steering only fail to re-center at low speeds?

You could also try starting the engine and turning the wheels from lock to lock, does the engine start to squeal? Which could indicate it being the Power Steering belt, or possibly even a fault with the pump?

 

[Atari]

Have you checked your Power Steering Fluid level? And does the steering only fail to re-center at low speeds?

You could also try starting the engine and turning the wheels from lock to lock, does the engine start to squeal? Which could indicate it being the Power Steering belt, or possibly even a fault with the pump?

This.

My 330i does similar when the power steering was low. Topped up and it's perfect. May even be worth changing it depending on how long it's been in there.

 

[Irish_Tom]

Belt / fluid is the cheap / easy option to begin with.

Does it improve if you give the engine some revs with the clutch in?

 

[Skilid]

Have you checked your Power Steering Fluid level? And does the steering only fail to re-center at low speeds?

Fluid is full. The steering NEVER fails to re-center. Just doesn't do it smoothly.

Belt / fluid is the cheap / easy option to begin with.

Does it improve if you give the engine some revs with the clutch in?

Revs are already at about 2.5krpm in first gear.