Steering popping... need advice

[genkidama20]

So, I have this popping sound that has been around for about a year now. And it's progressively getting worse. So, I figure I should fix.

Year: 2003
Make: Mazda
Model: 6i (2.4L)

Facts
- Popping is coming from RIGHT SIDE car.
- Popping used to occur only when making right-hand turns, but now occurs at any time it wants (especially on non-smooth roads).
- Popping has no correlation with speed.

I jacked up the car slightly, just enough so I could fit underneath, but so that the wheels weren't off the ground (meaning, wheels were under load). Crawled under, and listened while the someone turned the steering wheel. The popping is definitely coming from the right side of the rack/pinion in image below (highlighted in red).

My Questions
Does anyone else out there have a similar issue? Should I just replace the inner tie rod there? Or do the entire rack and pinion? I'm afraid if I just do the inner tie rod, it will end up being something inside the actual rack that is busted and I'll have to do it all again (plus, the rack is expensive). I'm trying to avoid having to do it multiple times on top of trying to spend as little as I have to.

 

[Wheredjaredgo]

Have the same problem on my MSP it's gotten worse with time... I purchased a rack and pinion with a warranty on eBay from a trusted seller... I'm gonna put it on this weekend. Didn't want to replace tie rods to find out my rack was bad. It cost me 90$ for a rebuilt rack shipped to me. Hope this helps

 

[genkidama20]

Rebuilt rack huh? Hmm... might go that route. I don't want to have to replace tie rods just to do it all over again either. Thanks!

 

[wannabe]

i'd say do the tie rod. i had a similar noise on the speed6, just replaced the tie rod and problem solved.

i'd bet its a lot cheaper and easier than the whole assembly anyway.

 

[genkidama20]

UPDATE

I think it's actually the control arm or ball joint now... Check out my video below:

I looked around, but couldn't find any how-to's... I keep reading that it's hard to do by yourself and you have to have special press or lift to get the control arm/ball joint out.

Anyone have ideas? Or point me to a relevant thread?