my new 8 - with 900 miles on it now - has a steering wheel that is slightly turned to the right when the car is tracking straight. There is no pull, it's fine. the alignment seems fine. I ve had the dealer look at it twice, the first time they aligned it, the second time, they acted like I was imagining things. I 'm not happy . AT ALL.

this piece describes it perfectly:

http://www2.ctcentral.com/ctcars/fullstory.asp?ID=09052003M9789

I think i'd be better off to find a good alignment shop since the local mazda dealer here doesn't seem to know how to perform one properly, because starting with a straight wheel is important no?

I think i'd be better off to find a good alignment shop since the local mazda dealer here doesn't seem to know how to perform one properly, because starting with a straight wheel is important no?
Had that problem with a Toyota and the dealer had no problem correcting it. They adjusted the front end alignment to straighten up the steering wheel and I went on down the road. Assuming the alignment is correct, this is more of a cosmetic problem than an actual alignment problem, but it certainly is annoying to the driver and should be corrected by the dealer.

Try another dealer or spend a few bucks at a good alignment shop and get on with your life. Sometimes it's better to spend a few bucks to avoid the stress of dealing with dealers who incapable of repairing the vehicles they sell. Sad but true. :wallbash:

The steering wheel centering does not affect alignment. Usually it just needs a quick adjustment to fix.

I'd call around and see if one of the local goodyear places would charge to just center the steering wheel.

most alignment shops cost about $50-$70 for an alignment and carry a 12k/12mo warranty.

there's a good firestone store nearby I used for my Miata many times, I 'll go over there and pay for one of their lifetime alignments. thanks.

there's a good firestone store nearby I used for my Miata many times, I 'll go over there and pay for one of their lifetime alignments. thanks.

They still offer those there? I got one for my wife's van 5 years ago and more than got my money out of it (cost the same a 2 allignments and I've received about 8). However, they stopped offering that program around here about 3 years ago.
:rock:

However, the local Firestones here are known for their shady, deceptive and bullying tactics. Best example - Years ago I lost brake pressure in my `87 Ford Pick-up so I had a Firestone look at it while the kids and I saw a movie in the mall (this Firestone is right in the mall parking lot). They told me the truck needed $1600 worth of repairs, not all related to brakes and threatened to scrape off my New York state inspection sticker if I didn't let them perform the work (that'll get you pulled over and ticketed as soon as you pull into traffic). :mad: I threatened them with bodily harm if they touched my sticker and took the truck to my favorite independent shop, Tire World in Corning. Total cost at Tire World - $60 for new brake line, labor and fluid. The truck was fine for years after that. I never set foot in a Firestone again except for my wife's free alignments.
:nono:

my new 8 - with 900 miles on it now - has a steering wheel that is slightly turned to the right when the car is tracking straight.

I would have the dealer do it under warranty. If they fix it great, it costs you nothing. If they don't fix it then find a local shop that does reputable alignments.

They still offer those there? I got one for my wife's van 5 years ago and more than got my money out of it (cost the same a 2 allignments and I've received about 8). However, they stopped offering that program around here about 3 years ago.
:rock:

However, the local Firestones here are known for their shady, deceptive and bullying tactics. Best example - Years ago I lost brake pressure in my `87 Ford Pick-up so I had a Firestone look at it while the kids and I saw a movie in the mall (this Firestone is right in the mall parking lot). They told me the truck needed $1600 worth of repairs, not all related to brakes and threatened to scrape off my New York state inspection sticker if I didn't let them perform the work (that'll get you pulled over and ticketed as soon as you pull into traffic). :mad: I threatened them with bodily harm if they touched my sticker and took the truck to my favorite independent shop, Tire World in Corning. Total cost at Tire World - $60 for new brake line, labor and fluid. The truck was fine for years after that. I never set foot in a Firestone again except for my wife's free alignments.
:nono:
wow.
I've been using this local shop for 4 years. the manager there is a straight shooter.
they wouldn't try that with me. in fact, they 've given me some cool F1 posters and things like that over the years.

well the firestone dealer fixed it. it's perfect.

if it's not pulling to either side then it was just a matter of the front toe settings not being centered/equal

that's exactly what they told me they adjusted. too bad the mazda dealer couldn't do that right in two tries.

Next time try a different dealer.

Take it to a good alignment shop...it is an easy fix....but if it's done wrong...the toe will be out...and you can wear your tires (#) really quick . A good shop will put it on the alignment rack to adjust...instead of trying to guess when they adjust the steering rack. Might want to have the alignment done...the stock specs are a bit variable...

I did get it aligned today. It's perfect now. The local bridgestone/firestone dealer did it.

Beware...you have been warned.....Avoid Firestone dealers and RX8 work. Some of you may have had good work done but if you really want to find someone who knows how to avoid busting up your tire pressure monitors then denying all knowledge if it whilst trying to sell you a non-standard replacement tire, avoid the bastards like the plague!!

I had this problem when I first got my car. I took it to Mazda like 4 times and insisted they align it. I think they got it right the 4th time because I really haven't noticed it since. I'd say just keep taking it back to the dealer because at least it's free there. They'll get it one of these times.

i had the same problem when i bought mine..noticed it when i was driving it home for the first time....i brought it back the next day and check the alignment....but then they told me the steering wheel just needed adjusting so they know....;) good luck...its a pain when you spend so much money and you have to deal with something like that;)!!

I had this problem when I first got my car. I took it to Mazda like 4 times and insisted they align it. I think they got it right the 4th time because I really haven't noticed it since. I'd say just keep taking it back to the dealer because at least it's free there. They'll get it one of these times.

Good thinking on the one hand - you've paid for a warrenty, so use it.

On the other hand, if Dealer A cannot fix a problem on the 2nd or 3rd try take it to Dealer B. Mustn't encourage laziness or carelessness at our Mazda service centers.

I thought my alignment was off again a couple of weeks ago. Well a long highway trip over the holiday proved it. I took my hands off the wheel at 70 mph and the car driftied over into the next lane. This is GD ridiculous!!! What is wrong with a car that can't hold an alignment? It's not like I'm driving on bad roads. I 'm not. and only have 1500 miles on it, and it needs it's third alignment? In four years I think I had my Miata aligned once, when I bought new tires for it.
I'mm pissed.

and it wasn't 'the crown of the road' or anyother horscrap the dealer will try to tell me, for the entire trip I had to keep slight pressure on the wheel , towards the left, to keep the car straight. no matter where I was .

If your car is tracking straight then it is most probably not an alignment issue. No point in spending 60 - 70 bucks on that. I had the same issue with my new RSX. Took it to the dealer. The tech took the car for a test drive and said the tie-rods had to be adjusted (if I remember correct). They did it in about 5 mins after identifying the problem. I was in and out in less than 20 mins and that too without an appointment. So, it is most probably a very simple fix in your case too.

Boy I miss that Acura level of service. Mazda dealers suck!