Steering hard?

[penpen]

I think my power steering pump might be going out because my steering gets really difficult to turn at times. Also, I can sometimes hear a whining noise when I turn the wheel. Could there be anything else that's causing this?

[standsideways]

Sounnnds like it to me ;)

Hows your power steering fluid level?

[penpen]

Fluid level is fine. In fact it's slightly over the line.

[standsideways]

Slightly over the line when the vehicle is at operating temperature?

EDIT: was there not a recall/tsb on this?

[penpen]

Yes, I believe so. Is this a problem. Does the fluid level fluctuate with temperature?

[standsideways]

Yes, I believe so. Is this a problem. Does the fluid level fluctuate with temperature?

Not a problem, i was just curious.

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?42944-Power-Steering-Failure-2007-2009-(Recall-Issued-by-Mazda-Canada)&highlight=power+steering+recall

[trulankan]

The noise while turning is normal on our cars apparently but the steering shouldnt be too stiff. I woukd get it checked out at a dealer if u are under warranty

[standsideways]

The noise while turning is normal on our cars apparently but the steering shouldnt be too stiff. I woukd get it checked out at a dealer if u are under warranty

A LITTLE noise is normal on our cars, but since they make noise from the factory and the OP is noticing it now more combined with stiff steering, im sure it is worse noise than the acceptable amount of feint whine that comes from the power steering pump.

[silverstarmazda]

my power steering whines a lot. even if when i flushed it twice. so its normal for it to get louder as the car ages. i would suggest OP to flush the steering and see how it goes from there. ive heard old fluid can cause hard steering.

if OP is a diy'er, heres a link to help:
http://www.flex-innovations.com/power_steering.htm