Power Steering problem & questions - 2010 Mazda 3

[dtrack]

My daughter just bought a used 2010 Mazda 3 with 59,000km.
I test drove it on the streets of Toronto, everything seemed fine. I drove it to her home in London and everything seemed fine.

But when my daughter drove it and tried to manoeuvre into her tight parking space the problem revealed itself. The steering wheel is very difficult to turn when the wheels are stationary.
Everything is fine if the wheels are rolling, even very slowly, but when stationary it takes a good effort with both arms.
I tried a friends 2007 and I could pretty much spin the steering wheel from lock to lock with one finger.

Fluid level is fine and doesn't look or smell dirty or burned. No unusual sounds.

I've contacted the used car lot where she bought the car (certified) and they are giving me the " it seemed fine when I drove it" line.
They've asked me to bring it in and "maybe we need to change the fluid"
I live 3.5 hours away so I really don't want to waste a 7 hour round trip if that's all they are gonna do.

So my questions are.
First to any other 2010 or similar owners, how easy is it to turn your wheels (stock alloys) when stationary? One finger? One hand? two hands?

Also I phoned a couple of Mazda dealers and was quoted over $900 for a new pump!!
But one said that just the top part, the "body," is available separately for $133. She didn't know much more than that.

I found this diagram online:



Is the top part (32-600A) the actual pump itself? is that all that would require replacement?
Is the bottom part the electric motor? Is that more likely to be the problem than the pump itself?

For $133 plus my local mechanic's labour I'm thinking I'd rather go that route than driving to Toronto and fighting with this guy.

Appreciate any feedback.
Thanks

[r4BBiT]

It's little weird that power steering only doesn't work when stationery. It's electric so I'm sure there is a way that check it before replacing it. I have a 2010 with 75k km and my pump is fine.

I can turn my wheel with finger when stationery and engine on.

[CarLadyLisa]

I would say battery here. Generally when the battery has a low charge the power steering kicks out. The power steering light flashes and the wheel has some serious feedback. They take a load off the battery and when they are low or recently boosted it can happen.

[dtrack]

Thanks for the feedback r4BBiT, good to know how it is supposed to feel.

Interesting point CarLadyLisa, I never knew it could potentially be related to the battery. That said, the power steering light never flashes.
I will check the battery regardless.

[dtrack]

Anyone have any opinion on whether it's more likely to be the pump itself or the pump motor/module that is the problem typically?

Before spending any unnecessary bucks I'm first gonna try sucking out the old fluid, running some cleaner through it and refilling with new fluid. Hopefully that will solve the problem.

[Carlos 3D]

Did u solve the problem ? Am having the same issue

[ryan2.3]

based on his feedback, if yours ends up needing parts, i've got the entire pump assembly from my 2011

[dtrack]

It turned out to be the rack.

[sarujo]

It turned out to be the rack.

Ouch! What did you end up doing?