steering wheel feels loose

[orGhatcH]

I tried to search this issue in the forums but couldn't find any info about it aside from getting an alignment.(I am contemplating that it might solve my issue)
but I thought to ask anyways.

So my car didn't go over a bump or anything. it just started to feel that the steering wheel is kinda loose. loose meaning, I could turn it a lot lighter now compared to before. also, if I need to do a right or left turn it seems that I need to turn the wheel a quarter more than before. :(

One more strange thing was that my power steering fluid is above the max fill line. :loco

I read from here: http://www.justanswer.com/mazda/6zuy1-mazda-3-just-driving-down-road-wife-s-2004.html
that if there is air in the lines, it will affect the steering. but my power steering hasn't quit working. In fact its the other way around.

Any suggestion are welcome. If this is a simple fix/replacement I could probably do it myself. If not, i'd rather take it to a mechanic.

[Mitchell3]

I cant speak for the steering wheel but did you check the fluid when the car was cold? Temperature of the fluid can affect the reading IIRC.

So the steering wheel is turning further than before?
About it turning a lot lighter, I know mine feels pretty light compared to my parents vehicles and I love that. Perhaps that's normal?

Also may help if you let us know your car year etc. as there was a power steering recall for some of the older gen 3's

[orGhatcH]

its a 2005 hatch. I will check the fluid when the car is cold. yes you are right it might be just that the car was running when I checked it.

yes it is turning further than before. Maybe Im just paranoid that something might have came loose?

[sarujo]

Tires and pressures can significantly affect steering feel. Worn or loose suspension components (tie rod ends and balls joints etc) can create more slop/play as well. Alignment out of spec (especially toe) can affect steering feel. My recommendation would be to get the suspension and components all checked out and then an alignment. Altech (West end of the city) has a great TM3 cash price and they do great work. Search the forums here for more info.

[The Wolf]

just keep turning right until it tightens up

[paulabreu]

just keep turning right until it tightens up

+1

[orGhatcH]

just keep turning right until it tightens up
Does this means, no more left turns for me? :chuckle


Tires and pressures can significantly affect steering feel. Worn or loose suspension components (tie rod ends and balls joints etc) can create more slop/play as well. Alignment out of spec (especially toe) can affect steering feel. My recommendation would be to get the suspension and components all checked out and then an alignment. Altech (West end of the city) has a great TM3 cash price and they do great work. Search the forums here for more info.

Thanks for your suggestion. I will have it checked when I do my oil change next week. ;)