🔧 CX-9 - Power Steering “Pump” Replacement (EPS System)

Your CX-9 uses Electric Power Steering (EPS), so it does not have a hydraulic power steering pump or power steering fluid to replace. If you’re having heavy steering, whining, or loss of assist, the usual repair is diagnosis of the EPS system and, if failed, replacement of the EPS steering gear (rack) assembly or related electrical parts.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 4-8 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery cable before steering work to reduce airbag/clock spring damage risk.
• ⚠️ Keep the steering wheel centered and locked once the intermediate shaft is disconnected; spinning it can damage the clock spring (the ribbon cable inside the steering column).
• ⚠️ Support the vehicle with jack stands on solid ground; never rely on a floor jack alone.
• ⚠️ A steering gear replacement requires a professional wheel alignment afterward for safe handling and tire wear.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Lug wrench or 21mm socket
• Socket set (8mm-21mm)
• Ratchet (3/8")
• Breaker bar (1/2")
• Torque wrench (10-200 ft-lbs range)
• Wrench set (10mm-21mm)
• Pry bar
• Needle-nose pliers
• Pick tool
• Tie-rod end puller (specialty)
• Ball-peen hammer
• Punch set
• Trim clip removal tool
• Paint marker
• Penetrating oil
• Scan tool with EPS capability (specialty)
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• EPS steering gear (rack) assembly - Qty: 1
• Outer tie rod ends - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Cotter pins (tie rod ends) - Qty: 2
• Steering intermediate shaft pinch bolt/nut kit - Qty: 1
• Subframe fasteners (one-time-use if specified) - Qty: 1 set

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• Center the steering wheel and use a seat belt wrapped through the wheel to hold it in place.
• Disconnect the battery: use a 10mm socket to remove the negative terminal and isolate it so it can’t spring back.
• Tip: Spray penetrant on tie-rod nuts early.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the front

• Use a 21mm socket to loosen the front lug nuts 1/2 turn.
• Use a floor jack to lift the front and set it down on jack stands under safe lift points.
• Remove both front wheels with a 21mm socket.

Step 2: Remove lower covers/undertray (if equipped)

• Use a trim clip removal tool for plastic clips and a 10mm socket for bolts.
• Set fasteners aside in a tray so nothing gets lost.

Step 3: Disconnect outer tie rod ends from the knuckles

• Pull the cotter pin using needle-nose pliers.
• Remove the tie rod castle nut using the correct socket/wrench.
• Separate the joint using a tie-rod end puller (specialty). (A puller presses the joint out without damaging it.)
• Tip: Avoid hammering the stud threads.

Step 4: Mark and disconnect the steering intermediate shaft

• From the driver footwell area or engine bay access point (whichever is applicable), locate the intermediate shaft joint.
• Use a paint marker to mark the relationship between the shaft and the steering gear input so it goes back aligned.
• Remove the pinch bolt using the correct socket/wrench, then slide the shaft off.
• Torque to Mazda service-manual specification on reassembly.

Step 5: Unplug EPS electrical connectors

• Locate the steering gear electrical connector(s) on the rack.
• Release locks with a pick tool (gently) and unplug by hand—do not pull on wires.
• Inspect for corrosion or water intrusion before installing the replacement rack.

Step 6: Create clearance (subframe/support as needed)

• Many rack removals require lowering the front subframe slightly for clearance.
• Support the subframe using a floor jack and a block of wood.
• Loosen/remove the required subframe bolts using a breaker bar and correct sockets.
• Torque to Mazda service-manual specification on reassembly.
• Tip: Lower slowly and watch for stretched lines.

Step 7: Remove the steering gear (rack)

• Remove rack mounting fasteners using the correct socket set and ratchet.
• Use a pry bar only if needed to gently shift position—don’t bend brackets.
• Work the rack out through the available opening (this may require rotating it for clearance).
• Torque to Mazda service-manual specification on reassembly.

Step 8: Transfer parts (if required) and install the new rack

• If your replacement rack does not include tie rods/boots, transfer components using the correct wrenches.
• Install the new rack into position by hand first, then start all mounting bolts by hand to prevent cross-threading.
• Tighten mounting fasteners with a torque wrench: Torque to Mazda service-manual specification.

Step 9: Reconnect intermediate shaft and tie rod ends

• Align your paint marks and reinstall the intermediate shaft pinch bolt using the correct socket/wrench.
• Tighten with a torque wrench: Torque to Mazda service-manual specification.
• Install tie rod ends into the knuckles and tighten the nuts using the correct socket.
• Install new cotter pins using needle-nose pliers.
• Torque to Mazda service-manual specification for tie-rod nuts.

Step 10: Reassemble and reinstall wheels

• Reinstall undertrays using a 10mm socket and trim clip tool.
• Reinstall wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts using a 21mm socket.
• Lower the vehicle, then tighten lug nuts in a star pattern with a torque wrench: Torque to Mazda service-manual specification.

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✅ After Repair

• Reconnect the battery using a 10mm socket.
• Use a scan tool with EPS capability (specialty) to check/clear EPS codes and perform steering angle/center calibration if required.
• With the engine running, turn lock-to-lock slowly a few times and confirm smooth assist and no warning lights.
• Get a professional alignment immediately.
• Tip: If the wheel is off-center, don’t “eyeball” it—align it.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $1,200-$2,500 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $600-$1,600 (parts only)

You Save: $600-$900 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 4-8 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.