2010 Mazda 3 Front-end Problem?

[Rinner23]

I had the bushings replaced because they were 'loose' and appeared worn - that was over 10,000 miles ago at the same time the passenger side half-shaft/axle was replaced due to a bad bearing (you could move the shaft up and down inside the bearing).

Neither of these were covered under warranty, in fact Mazda didn't even acknowledge the problem even though the mechanic showed me exactly what was going on (Mazda always just say 'its normal no problem').

But I have some possible revelation on this issue - I noticed the other day that you can now actually see the wheel 'jump' slightly when the noise occurs, as if it is binding somewhere and then lets go. So I reject their opinion of 'backlash in the steering gear'. I had my own theory, and this morning was able to eliminate almost ALL of the vibration, wobbly steering, and wandering feel..

* I simply pushed the steering wheel all the way in *

This problem appears to be related to something in the steering intermediate shaft. Possibly a damage spline I'm not sure - although the problem is vastly diminished it is still there, although now I feel less unsafe due to some resemblance of normal handling.

Now the challenge will be getting the dealership to even acknowledge this problem and address it - I think that job is probably beyond my capability. I'm only 3k miles to out of warranty so I really hope they help me on this.

Thanks for the comments I will keep the thread updated as I find more. This weekend i'll probably try to get a fix on if it's in the splines or a U-joint somewhere.

Matt

[jsbossler]

Thanks man for sharing on this! (Rinner23)

i've been experiencing the same steering knocking/lack of response. Currently sitting at 40,038 miles. initially blamed it on the tie rods/control arms or alignment issues but nothing reduced the play or the knock. came here and registered to try to find some input and behold! ...off to try these new ideas now

[Rinner23]

Originally Posted by jsbossler

Thanks man for sharing on this! (Rinner23)

i've been experiencing the same steering knocking/lack of response. Currently sitting at 40,038 miles. initially blamed it on the tie rods/control arms or alignment issues but nothing reduced the play or the knock. came here and registered to try to find some input and behold! ...off to try these new ideas now

Hey can you check to see if your coil springs are loose when the car is on the ground? I've noticed BOTH of my front coil springs are loose! Not very much but I can move them back and forth slightly.. I thought they would be under tremendous pressure and it seems like they are not.

I'm really worried about driving this car but Mazda are being complete dicks about it and just say everything is fine. Like when I go around corners sometimes the whole car starts vibrating UP AND DOWN (not left to right) and then the steering wheel starts shaking.. it's really concerning.

Also my steering rack now seems to be sucking in air and I have to bleed the system daily to get the air out (I'm just doing the lock to lock thing for now until I can find the time for a proper bleed).

I used to love this car but as of now I feel like I'm driving an unsafe piece of junk and Mazda are just completely oblivious to this problem.

[erlomino]

when i rock my steering left to right it makes a 'clonking' sound. first i thought i could only hear it from inside the car, but now i know you can hear it outside too. so my first thought was the steering column had something loose but know i think is something in the rack and pinion or the electronically assisted steering system. i havent drive on to potholes or anything. no accidents and only regular driving (no racing of any kind)

i haven't been able to go the the dealership yet. but i notice this a couple of month ago. mine doesn't sound as laud as yours but it is noticeable. have you figure it out what is wrong? Thanks.

i just noticed that its lauder when i turn it to the left while rocking it and is not as loud (almost unnoticeable) while turning it to the right. the handling has not been affected but it is irritating anyhow. im going to remove the plastic cover from the steering column to see if there is something there and also i will put it on jacks to check things out underneath it. im not the most skilled mechanic but ill give it a shot and ill keep you posted of any findings. any breakthroughs of your own will help, so please if you can keep us posted on your discoveries will be greatly appreciated. BTW mine is a M3s GT 2.5 4doors. (the fully loaded Nav, Dual Xenon, Climate, Leather, electronically assisted steering, keyless entry, etc.) its a 2010 with 43k miles. it started at 38k.

[Velez3Sport]

Print the forum replies out. Throw it in their face and shove it up their ass. The people at dealerships are qualified to know shit. They're hired to sell shit not know shit.