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problem with steering--help!

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Old 01-24-2008, 03:35 PM
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problem with steering--help!

I have a new 2007 Mazda RX 8, less than 2 months old and I love it. But suddenly today going to the store, car suddenly swerved and felt difficult to control. I have an appointment with dealer on Monday, but I am wondering what is going on. Did anyone else ever have this problem? Thanks for any insights.
Old 01-24-2008, 03:43 PM
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you gotta give us a little more detail
Old 01-24-2008, 03:52 PM
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ok more detail

Everything has been fine with car; it's a manual transmission, only 2000 miles. . Today, I am driving from the store going about 45 mph, all of a sudden car suddenly feels like it's swerving. First, I thought maybe just something with road and it straightened out. But then I was going to get into left lane to make a turn and car seemed to be fighting me. It really scared me. i would have thought I was crazy, but about a week ago my husband was driving and said something doesn't feel right about the steering. He checked steering fluid and it was fine and checked tire pressure which was fine.
Old 01-24-2008, 03:57 PM
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weird.
Any suspension mods? Check all the lug nuts?
Old 01-24-2008, 04:11 PM
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did u hit something on the road that messed up your wheel alignment?
Old 01-24-2008, 04:16 PM
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the steering is electric and don't play around with it!have it put on a roll back to the dealer ! no car should fight you for control.your life and your husband is worth a lot more than the car.safty first always!~
Old 01-24-2008, 04:17 PM
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I don't think I hit anything and the strange thing is that it is so random. Everything is fine, it steers like a dream and all of a sudden this. I am not really car savvy, so I don't even know what suspension mods are (I'm sure my husband does). Hopefully, the dealer will be able to find out what it is. They told me they'd test drive it and I said that won't do any good because it is such a random thing. I hope I can discover what's going on because I love the car, but now I am a little scared of it.
Old 01-24-2008, 04:18 PM
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He checked steering fluid and it was fine
He did?

Another RX8 with that power steering fluid mod. hehe
Old 01-24-2008, 04:21 PM
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Okay, maybe he didn't what do I know? It doesnt have power steering fluid? Sorry
Old 01-24-2008, 04:22 PM
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It could definitely be some type of electrical problem. Depending on what it is...you may not get a light or an error code.

Did you feel any type of mechanical clunk or anything?
Old 01-24-2008, 04:23 PM
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have him visually inspect the steering wheel fluid. The owners manual should show him exactly where to look.

If you're taking it to the dealership, get it towed to be on the safe side.
Old 01-24-2008, 04:33 PM
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i was going to say to check the lugs also. ive had lugs get very loose and it feels like the car sways and swerves
Old 01-24-2008, 04:34 PM
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Search is your friend.

It is the connector near the airbox for the power steering torque sensor.
The only good fix is to have the wires cut and soldered.
Old 01-24-2008, 04:34 PM
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Thanks so much for the advice.
Old 01-24-2008, 07:53 PM
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If it has the stock tires on it, they will pull you around on the road if it's not really smooth. Mine is way worse in cold weather and the tires are hard. Maybe? it can be pretty freaky until you get used to it.
Old 01-24-2008, 08:52 PM
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is it possible you simply drove into some depressions or ruts that were in the road? they have a tendency to "grab" your tires and rail you around a little...one of the roads by my house does this if you drive in the depressions the big trucks have made....
Old 01-24-2008, 09:54 PM
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Originally Posted by saxdogg
is it possible you simply drove into some depressions or ruts that were in the road? they have a tendency to "grab" your tires and rail you around a little...one of the roads by my house does this if you drive in the depressions the big trucks have made....
the stock tyres are bad for this so it is a definate possibility - otherwise it could be the electrical problem alluded to earlier . Did you get any dash lights come on ?
Old 01-24-2008, 10:34 PM
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Answer in post #13.
Old 01-24-2008, 10:36 PM
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Still could be a troll.

Power steering fluid Ha.

Maybe they are describing tramlining.
Old 01-24-2008, 10:42 PM
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electrical problem would not cause the steering wheel all of the sudden *ssssssSwwwwwwweeeeep* to the other side. It might counter steer you tho. so you feel that *oh **** why is it not turning*.

I doubt dealership can find anything tho.
Old 01-24-2008, 11:41 PM
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It could be a couple of nuts behind the wheel.

I would check that out.

Last edited by Razz1; 01-25-2008 at 01:01 AM.
Old 01-25-2008, 12:54 AM
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Originally Posted by nycgps
electrical problem would not cause the steering wheel all of the sudden *ssssssSwwwwwwweeeeep* to the other side.
Obviously, you've never experienced the failure.
It will grab the wheel, tear it out of your hand and send you careening in whichever direction it chooses.
All it takes is the slightest input and you are spinning.
Old 03-24-2008, 01:03 AM
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i had this issue right now and i check the connectors and still have this issue
Old 03-24-2008, 01:13 AM
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You need to remove the upper connector and solder the wires directly.
Old 06-28-2008, 01:12 AM
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Does anyone have a picture of this ... I am unsure which is to be cut and re-soldered.


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