Power steering leak - how should I proceed?

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rscole86

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#320424 12-Aug-2025 16:37

The Mazda Axela (2011 hatch) has just failed its WOF for an empty power steering reservoir.

The mechanic has found both bushes to be leaking and it needs to be replaced or reconditioned. Apparently their agent won't quote without seeing it, but it'll cost around $2000.

I've also asked for a quote on a second hand unit and brand new.

What do Geekzone recommend?

Extra context:

We have an SUV for day to day, family trips, shopping, dog walks, etc etc.
Car mostly used for 5km trips x2 daily, with an occasional longer run.
Family of four (both in car seats) and a dog. Though I can't see a reason why we all need to get in the car.
Car has been lowered, and all the insurers have been increasing their premiums (I was thinking of replacing for this reason).
Youngest is still extremely fresh and we've committed to being on a single income for the next twelve months.
Wellington based.
Last three WOFs have all shown less than 2000km.
Jap import

Scott3

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#3402121 12-Aug-2025 17:21

Your car is worth north of $6k.

The WOF rejection is valid:

https://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/virms/in-service-wof-and-cof/general/steering-and-suspension/steering-and-suspension-systems

So it is logical to get the car fixed.

Only question's are:
- Should you sell the car in needing repair condition, for the next owner to fix.
- How to fix it most cost effectively if you keep it.

On the first point, in general, buyers are put off buying cars needing repairs, so if you don't want the car you would be better to have it fixed and then sell it. But if you can't fund the repair, or just don't want to deal with it, selling it in needing repair option could work.

On getting it fixed as cheaply as possible, given the $2000 cost it is not unreasonable to get prices from a few mechanics and choose between them. Unless you have a strong DIY appetite, you have few other options to cut costs

On used part's, of there is a risk that the replacement part will also be nearly aged out also, so if you can swing it, going new is ideal.

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On potentially replacing the car for lower costs, consider if you could make a Nissan leaf work (will need to have off street parking, and no to take the leaf out of town). Unsure about the wellington market, but there is a 72% battery health 2014 nissan leaf asking $3k in Auckland. They are quite reliable, and don't tend to be stolen.

www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1051664756941012

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On insurance, I have gone to third party on both my car's (worth about $8k and $3k). Will be a serious chore if somebody crashes into me (generally fine with it if it is my fault...) but I just can't justify the cost of comprehensive insurance in the current insurance market.

rscole86

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#3402352 13-Aug-2025 10:25

Scott3:

Your car is worth north of $6k.

The WOF rejection is valid:

https://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/virms/in-service-wof-and-cof/general/steering-and-suspension/steering-and-suspension-systems

So it is logical to get the car fixed.

Trade Me puts the cars value midpoint at $11800, which is in line with the insurers valuation.

Only question's are:
- Should you sell the car in needing repair condition, for the next owner to fix.
- How to fix it most cost effectively if you keep it.

On the first point, in general, buyers are put off buying cars needing repairs, so if you don't want the car you would be better to have it fixed and then sell it. But if you can't fund the repair, or just don't want to deal with it, selling it in needing repair option could work.

On getting it fixed as cheaply as possible, given the $2000 cost it is not unreasonable to get prices from a few mechanics and choose between them. Unless you have a strong DIY appetite, you have few other options to cut costs

On used part's, of there is a risk that the replacement part will also be nearly aged out also, so if you can swing it, going new is ideal.

My preference would be to repair (time and hassle of selling a 'broken' vehicle is not worth it imo).

Mechanical DIY is not in my blood.

------------

On potentially replacing the car for lower costs, consider if you could make a Nissan leaf work (will need to have off street parking, and no to take the leaf out of town). Unsure about the wellington market, but there is a 72% battery health 2014 nissan leaf asking $3k in Auckland. They are quite reliable, and don't tend to be stolen.

www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1051664756941012

------------

On insurance, I have gone to third party on both my car's (worth about $8k and $3k). Will be a serious chore if somebody crashes into me (generally fine with it if it is my fault...) but I just can't justify the cost of comprehensive insurance in the current insurance market.

While my commute is mostly 5-10Km, occasionally it is 80+Km with no options of charging. This would exclude the Leaf.

Generally cars in Wellington cost more and/or greater Km's and/or less selection. Eg, comparing two listings of similar cars, Wellington comes out almost double the cost of Auckland.

Bung

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#3402375 13-Aug-2025 11:36

Did the mechanic notice the leak or the empty reservoir first? The leak may not be any worse than it has been for the last few warrant tests. It doesn’t have to be leak free they talk in terms of significant or excessive leak. How messy is the end of the rack?

rscole86

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#3402381 13-Aug-2025 12:18

VTNZ noticed the power steering reservoir was empty.

Mechanic found both sides of the rack were leaking. I've never noticed anything in the garage, so I assume it was contained within the bellows.

I'm not sure how messy the rack was/is.

bebek

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#3402382 13-Aug-2025 12:25

rscole86:

Trade Me puts the cars value midpoint at $11800, which is in line with the insurers valuation.

Trade Me valuation is based on cars listed for sale (not always sold) in the last 6 months. Two or twenty similar cars listing will make huge difference on the valuation.
Dealer list price is also different with private sale price for the same car. Those two price type are fed into Trade Me valuation data. And, only seller & buyer know the sold price.

Scott3

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#3402383 13-Aug-2025 12:41

On valuation, I just took the cheapest car of that model & year. (not knowing mileage / sub model etc)

Was just looking to check if repairs are worth while, nothing more.