Stiff Steering

[penpen]

2007 Mazda 3 isport 2.0L
I've posted about this earlier but it's still persists.

My steering wheel is stiff at low speeds/rpms. It's manageable but I'm fairly certain that it's stiffer than it should be. I took it into the dealer and after driving around the parking lot, the guy said that it was normal and that Mazda3's usually have a sporty stiffer steering wheel. But I'm not sure it's supposed to be this stiff at low speeds.

Power steering fluid is at full. Recently had the PS system flushed.

I HAVE noticed, however, that when it rains, the steering is considerably lighter probably due to reduced friction with the tire. Could this mean I need to change my tires? Or could it be the PS pump? I'm confused.

[krimsalt]

Sounds like the PS pump kicked. Common issue on mazda3s of that year too, there is even a recall on PS failures. If it takes considerable effort to turn at a stop than it's an issue. The reason it's fine at higher speeds is because when the vehicle is moving, the wheels turn via kinetic friction rather than static friction, and its easier to move a heavy object when it's already in motion