Very loud pop when turning sharp left leaking transmission or power steering fluid where steering column meet rack

Leaking tranny fluid somewhere around steering rack and steering column U-joint I own a 2003 Mazda Tribute that I would like to take the steering rack or the whole steering system off of and then install it on the 2002 Mazda Tribute is this possible? I have already taken every power steering component from 03 Mazda and installed on 02 except high pressure hose got that brand new basically do you have any tips on removing and installing a used steering rack and column? Also been having issues with steering wheel it jumps to the left while driving and car pulls hard to driver side i wouldnt dare
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there. If everything else has already been installed from the donor vehicle then it sounds like the high pressure hose is all that you need to install. The hardest part of doing this is the routing. One thing you may also want to double check is that the donor vehicle and your 2003 Escape have the same rack. There are different models depending on the model and the size of your wheels. You need to install the pressure line first, but if it does not line up then you may have the wrong rack installed. If you would like some assistance installing this hose, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to you to [replace your high pressure steering hose] https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/power-steering-pressure-hose-replacement

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

If your vehicle is only hard to steer when you first turn it on, then you likely have a damaged steering rack. Often this problem will go away when the car warms up, and the rack becomes hot and well lubricated.
You could have a loose belt, low power steering fluid or your power steering pump could be failing. Check your power steering fluid level and if it is low, you can try adding more, but if the problem persists, you should get it checked out.
Steering Column Issues

The steering column contains a shaft that rotates on support bearings. Issues within the steering column or coupling assembly can potentially lead to a popping noise while turning. Worn out ball joints and tie rods can also create a popping noise.

Why does my car make a clicking noise when I turn the wheel? Usually, if your car is making crunching, clicking, or humming and grinding noises at higher speeds indicates problems with bearings, CV joints or differentials. Crunching or clicking is often associated with a bad CV joint and happens during a tight turn.
Heavy steering refers to when the steering wheel of your vehicle becomes stiff, making it difficult to turn. This can be caused by a number of things, such as tyre pressure, lack of fluid oil and tyre alignment.
One or more tire with low air pressure can cause your steering wheel to be hard to turn, but thankfully this can be fixed by just inflating them to the proper pressure.
Sound — Usually the first indication of worn or loose ball joints will be a faint, intermittent clunking noise that seems to be coming from a corner of your vehicle. The sound may be more pronounced when going over a bump or a dip or when going around a corner.
Grinding Or Whining Noise

Another noise that also indicates a power steering leak is a loud grinding or whining that occurs when you turn your steering wheel. This type of noise comes from friction, whereas power steering fluid prevents this by providing lubrication.

Your steering system`s lug nuts have a plastic or metal cover known as a hubcap. When the nuts become loose, your hubcaps will wobble, creating popping noises. These noises will be there whenever you`re driving and not just when turning. The car`s struts help your suspension system cushion the impacts of driving.
What causes a noise while turning? Many things can cause noise while turning. However, the most common culprits of these issues are problems with suspension or steering system components, like bad tie rods, worn-out shocks or struts, a damaged steering column bearing, and low or contaminated power steering fluid.
2009 Mazda Tribute Recall

The affected vehicles have a steering torque sensor that may not be able to properly detect driver steering input. As a result, the system could remove the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist.

When your tire pressure is low, there is more rubber on the road. This extra friction would be causing the steering wheel more effort to turn because the wheels are harder to turn. This is an easy fix by filling your tires up to the manufacturer`s recommended PSI.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Very loud pop when turning sharp left leaking transmission or power steering fluid where steering column meet rack
ANSWER : Hi there. If everything else has already been installed from the donor vehicle then it sounds like the high pressure hose is all that you need to install. The hardest part of doing this is the routing. One thing you may also want to double check is that the donor vehicle and your 2003 Escape have the same rack. There are different models depending on the model and the size of your wheels. You need to install the pressure line first, but if it does not line up then you may have the wrong rack installed. If you would like some assistance installing this hose, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to you to [replace your high pressure steering hose] https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/power-steering-pressure-hose-replacement

power steering fluid is leaking
ANSWER : With a power steering fluid leak that big, you certainly should have the vehicle inspected as soon as possible to find the exact cause. Any of the components you listed can be the source of the leak. The power steering pump as well as the rack & pinion steering unit rely on the fluid for lubrication as well as cooling. The whining you hear is from the pump when the fluid runs low or empty. Your issue can be caused by something as simple as a fluid hose right now, but continued ’running dry" of the power steering fluid, can result in damage to both the pump and the rack & pinion unit. If that happens, you can take what may be a repair of a few hundred dollars and turn it into a repair of a couple of thousand dollars.

Major Leak of power steering fluid
ANSWER : Hello…it sounds like you have a loose or faulty hose connection. Of course, it is also possible that a coincidental leak developed, for instance in a rusted steel tube on the return side, at the same time that you were doing this repair. A YourMechanic specialist could diagnosis this for you and assist you with the repair of your power steering and inspect your vehicle for leaks.

had power steering pump replaced but power steering fluid is leaking
ANSWER : This suggests that you may have a leak somewhere else in your power steering system such as one of the hoses or the rack and pinion system. As you may know, the power steering system is a highly pressurized system that can have as much as 300+psi of pressure in the system at times, so it is not uncommon for these types of leaks to happen. If you’d like to get this fixed, I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose the leak in your power steering system and make the the necessary repairs to fix it.

Power steering fluid groaning noise. Power steering leak?
ANSWER : Hello. A groaning noise is an indication of low power steering fluid. If you had your power steering fluid serviced about 5 months ago and it is making a groaning noise again most likely means your power steering pump has gone bad or your power steering leak has going from minor to moderate. I can tell you that Honda Accords are one of the most common vehicles for a power steering pump leak to occur on and require a pump replacement. If not a leaking pump it could be power steering hose leaking fluid. I suggest that you have a power steering fluid leak inspection done otherwise you will have to keep filling up your power steering reservoir until it is fixed.

https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/power-steering-fluid-is-leaking-inspection

Gm I need a power steering pump or should I get power steering fluid? I have leaks coming out what should I do
ANSWER : If the power steering pump is leaking then you should replace the pump since it is under pressure and no stop leak will stop it from leaking.

Power steering or transmission issue
ANSWER : There are a few different places that can cause a power steering leak. The fluid can leak from a power steering pump, the fluid lines, a steering rack, or even a power steering cooler. What you need to understand is, the system is designed to be a closed system. Meaning, outside air should not be able to get into the system. When a seal, gasket, or connection fails, it will allow fluid (which can resemble transmission fluid) to leak from the component and allow air to enter. When air is able to enter, it will mix with the fluid and the pump will cause the fluid to aerate. Aerated fluid will compromise the systems ability to provide the assistance required. It can also cause the system to make noise. It sounds to me like you simply have a leak and the air being introduced is causing the power steering to operate at a reduced efficiency. If you need help identifying and/or repairing the situation, contact a certified mechanic, like those available at YourMechanic.com.

Hard to turn vehicle when car is idling. No leaking of power steering fluid under the car
ANSWER : Hi there. Chances are the power steering pump is at fault for the steering wheel being hard to turn both directions at idle. It could be, a faulty power steering pressure switch not sending a signal to the computer to raise engine rpm (revolutions per minute) to compensate for power steering load at idle. The power steering fluid level being low, indicates there is a power steering fluid leak even though, your not seeing it on the ground. Replacing components without proper diagnoses, can be expensive and time consuming without resolution. I recommend having your vehicle’s steering wheel is hard to turn at idle be diagnosed and repaired by a certified technician, such as one from YourMechanic.