2006 Mazda 5 power steering pump leaking

[curro]

Hello folks:

I did a search before posting but i could not find a related post for my 2006 Mazda 5 which has a leaking power steering pump (electric). According to my trusted local independent shop it is a 'dealer only' part which costs $767.94 !!!!!! That's insane folks!

I went online and did some searching and found the following remanufacturing unit by NAPA ($279 + tax and maybe shipping):

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/CatalogItemDetail.aspx?R=PNB385949_0341147852

So please help me out with your experiences with this part and how to proceed. Right now they have top it off with the power steering fluid and I am going to monitor it to see the leak rate. Maybe I have to live with it for the time being. The car has only 42K miles. Frankly I do not think is worthwhile to spent so much money if the leak rate is small and i can just replenish it from time to time.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[loosenut]

Just a heads up, if the whole pump is to be replaced it has to be programmed to the vehicle before it will operate correctly. I would check with a dealer for cost for programming. As far as I know only a dealer can perform the programming. Call and talk to them to see what your options are. Some may be willing to attempt just the programming, some may decline.

 

[curro]

Thanks loosenut for the reply. It is true that changing the pump will require reprogramming and that would be an additional cost. If my independent mechanic quoted my over $1000 to put a new power steering pump without the reprogramming cost I can imagine what the dealer cost would be!!!!

I think I am just have to top it off from time to time. Any thoughts about buying the OEM fluid vs one from Mobile 1 or other well know brands?

 

[coolmazda5]

I have a 2008 Mazda5 and I saw some fluid drops on the floor and I was told during an oil change. They said the rack needs to be changed, but I suspect is the steering pump because of the location of the leak (just underneath the pump). Leakage is very subtle (checking levels every week or so)

Now, I just checked the part number (BBM4-32-68ZR) the price you have there seems to be very high, but the one you posted has 2 parts, not sure if I'm missing something. It seems to be the same as the Mazda3, but if somebody can shed some light it will be great

http://www.autopartscheaper.com/200...eering-Pump-Re-manu-p/bbm4-32-68zr-01-k44.htm


https://www.ebay.com (commissions earned)

PS: My pump was replaced in 2011 due to a recall, if I'm lucky it may still be under warranty

http://content.usatoday.com/communi...led-for-power-steering-problem/1#.U2U4sfldVzQ