Pulsating steering when cold -

[verl]

My 2001 Mazda Millenia steering started to pulsate when turing the wheel. It's more noticable on colder days. When I say colder I mean in the 50's (south fl). After the engine warms up steering feels normal again. I do hear a slight nock noise comming from the front of the engine when I turn the wheel. I replaced all of the fluid in the steering system to see if this would help any but it's just getting worse. Do you think it's time for a new power steering pump? The car only has 60k miles.

 

[D189379]

Sounds like a slipping belt due to moisture (morning dew/frost).

 

[Rtstrider]

Have you checked the ps fluid level? Have you also bled the ps system?

 

[verl]

After putting the car up on ramps and taking the splash guards out it was obvious the belt was bad. D, you were right on! Thanks! I replaced both belts, ps and a/c. I'm betting the timing belt is also in bad shape. How big of a chore is it to replace the timing belt?

 

[mechtech2]

Check your pulleys and tensioner while you are in there.
Pulleys cause belts to go bad, and rarely the other way around.
Belts can deteriorate by themselves from age, heat, and pollutants.