Reviews of OEM Mazda steering rack

The sticky steering became such a problem (despite the worm gear recall and greasing), that they now have to replace the rack/pinion.

I just went back to power steering. I depowered it proper, cut the plunger off and welded the pinion but no matter what the adjustment I did I still had this really odd play. Other than that the steering was great, driving felt smooth the feedback felt great

I did the depower and its hard to turn standing still but once you get moving I can one hand it even in a parking lot but I still use the factory wheels and steering wheel.

Proper depowered rack in my NB, I love it. You don't really notice it when you're moving.

I bought a used manual steering rack instead, and absolutely love it! Moderate low speed effort with precise high-speed inputs and feedback. I think a manual rack from the factory is the way to go, if you can swing it.

Feels like my CX90 steering rack has a bunch of these in it when I turn the wheel.

Had mine replaced, took about a week. Loaded up the miles on an even nicer loaner, so I wasn’t too bothered…other than the unsafe feeling around corners at speed.

I can tell you the recall done on the steering rack is a complete joke. It doesn’t fix anything. We’re supposed to push a little bit of grease back into the plastic gear and install a new little cap, spring and bolt. It just so Mazda can say “they tried” while spending the least possible money.

I went to pick up my car from the dealership after a steering rack failure that occurred at highway speeds. The dealership confirmed they have been replacing more and more steering racks, especially recently. The steering rack is failing at the worm gear, and this part has been revised several times. I've never had a warrantied part fail in a way that tried to throw me into a concrete barrier at highway speeds. I don't feel safe putting my family in this car. After signing paperwork, I realized the steering was still messed up; the steering wheel wasn't returning to center, almost like there wasn't enough power steering pressure. The car never left the dealership.

Mazda 3 Stick shift are very fun to drive. They have the same steering rack out of the Miata with added practicality.