Parts for your 2020 Mazda 3-Steering rack

2020 Mazda 3 Steering Rack: What it does and how to look after it

Technical sources confirm the 2020 Mazda 3 (BP series) does use a steering rack. The Mazda3 (BP) Workshop Manual details removal and installation of an electric power steering rack-and-pinion assembly, the 2020 Mazda3 Owner’s Manual specifies Electric Power Steering (EPS) with no hydraulic fluid service, and Mazda’s genuine parts catalogue for the BP chassis lists a steering gear (EPS) assembly for this model. So yes—this vehicle is fitted with a steering rack, and it’s an electric rack-and-pinion unit.

On the 2020 Mazda 3, the steering rack’s job is to turn the driver’s input at the wheel into precise side-to-side movement via the pinion and rack, pushing the tie rods to steer the front wheels. Being electric, the assist motor is built into the rack, giving tidy packaging, crisp response, and no power-steering fluid to worry about. It’s tuned for a confident, natural feel on Aussie and Kiwi roads—steady on the motorway and quick to tip in around town.

While the rack itself is a sealed unit, a few sensible checks during regular servicing keep it happy over the long haul:

• Inspect the rack boots and clamps for tears or grease weep, replace damaged boots promptly to prevent water and grit chewing out the inner joints.
• Check inner and outer tie rod ends for play, and listen for knocks over bumps or a notchy feel off-centre.
• After kerb strikes or pothole hits, have alignment checked to protect tyres and reduce rack stress.
• There’s no power-steering fluid on this model—so no flushes—focus instead on physical wear and correct calibrations.

Replacement is straightforward for a trained technician but does involve a few must-dos. Supporting the subframe, swapping the rack, and renewing single-use hardware is standard. A wheel alignment is mandatory afterwards. The EPS and steering angle need recalibration with a scan tool to set the rack’s neutral position and ensure assist behaves correctly. Quality new or remanufactured racks are fine—just stick with reputable brands and correct torque specs.

Common signs it’s time to act include vague steering, clunks, uneven tyre wear, an EPS warning lamp, or heavy/patchy assist. With gentle driving and intact boots, many racks go well past 150,000–250,000 km. Regular inspections every service or 20,000 km help catch issues early and keep the Mazda 3 turning in neatly for years.

• Signs to watch:
  1. Play at the wheel or wandering on the motorway
  2. Knocking over bumps or notchy movement off-centre
  3. Uneven or rapid tyre wear
  4. EPS warning light or intermittent heavy steering

FAQs

Does the 2020 Mazda 3 have a steering rack or a steering box?
It has an electric rack-and-pinion steering rack. There’s no hydraulic pump or fluid on this model—assist comes from an electric motor integrated into the rack.

How long should a steering rack last on a 2020 Mazda 3?
With intact boots and sensible driving, many last 150,000–250,000 km or more. Impacts, torn boots, and neglected alignments are the big life-shorteners.

Do I need an alignment and calibration after rack or tie-rod replacement?
Yes. A full wheel alignment is required, and the EPS/steering angle calibrations should be performed with a scan tool so the assist is centred and behaves properly.