3rd Gen Protege/MazdaSpeed/P5/MP3 General/Maintenance Discussion for 1999-2003.5 Models Only (BJ Chassis)

help, problems with dealer again

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Old July-9th-2003 | 11:43 AM
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help, problems with dealer again

what seems to be the problem if I drive in a straight line on perfectly flat ground and I have to turn my steering wheel to the left a bit in order to keep the car going straight? if I put the wheel in the normal centered position the car will move to the left.

this happened after I got my car fixed at the dealer last time and they said that because it has already been a month since my last fix they will not fix it for me for free, even thought I'm still within my warranty period.
Old July-9th-2003 | 11:47 AM
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I have the same problem: I always have to tug my steering slightly to the left to keep my car going in a straight line on a flat road and I've checked my tire pressures and they're all fine.

I have an appointment at the dealer on Monday (Jul 14) and I'm hoping they fix the alignment or balance my tires. What did the dealer do for you the first time to fix the problem?
Old July-9th-2003 | 12:24 PM
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Originally posted by damaster
I have the same problem: I always have to tug my steering slightly to the left to keep my car going in a straight line on a flat road and I've checked my tire pressures and they're all fine.
Unless you are having to steer a lot this is normal due to the crown in the road. Most all roads are slopped to the right (in the direction of travel) a very small amount so that water runs off them when it rains/snows. A very small amount of correction left while you drive is normal.

Every now and then you'll be on a highway that is mildly banked to the left (as that is where the drainage is) and it makes for an intresting driving experience as the car now has a tendency to pull left and is not what you are used to.
Old July-9th-2003 | 12:35 PM
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the problem I'm describing happens when there is no crown on the road.

last time I had something fixed in the steering and after that this thing happened. they told me they can't fix it under warranty because its been a month since I had the last problem fixed and they say that they don't know if I hit anything inbetween to cause that problem
Old July-9th-2003 | 01:02 PM
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Originally posted by tttP5
the problem I'm describing happens when there is no crown on the road.
but it's not like you can really see this crowd. I've adjusted tire pressure, balanced wheels and checked my alignment at a dealership and this problem still happens.

perhaps the steering on this vehicle is too 'over-responsive.'
Old July-9th-2003 | 03:19 PM
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My Pro5 does the same thing. I have to steer left, not by much but I still have to push the wheel, in order for the car to track in a straight line. All roads, all surfaces.

I think the steering wheel might not have been perfectly centered when they aligned the car at the factory. In other words, it's not a big deal. I'll have it taken care of at my first alingment.

As far as tire wear, I don't think it's an issue because the steering wheel is the only thing out of alignment, not the suspension.
Old July-9th-2003 | 04:19 PM
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the problem could be the alignment. If the car can maintain a turn, however slight, on a flat surface, then it's the alignment. Or, try to find a road (freeway is best) that has a crown in the middle, try driving on both sides of it. If it drifts both directions, then it is not the car. If there is an uneven drift, you have an alignment problem.
Old July-9th-2003 | 08:39 PM
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could be a bad belt in one of the front tires, try rotating and see what happens
Old July-11th-2003 | 11:11 AM
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I had the same problem, the dealer said the "wheel wasn't centered" yea...whatever.
Old July-11th-2003 | 07:06 PM
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they told me that the alignment wouldn't be covered under warranty becuase its passed the 12000 mile point.

I'm trying to get them to do it for free for me because I suspect that this happened after they tightened a bolt somewhere related to the suspension system when they repaired my car last time
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