Vibration and Torque Steer

[Red Mist]

Hi All TM3 members, it seems i got a big problem or maybe not, depending on what your feedback is, i have had a 2004 mazda3 for around 6months now, and slowly but surely the problems have began, first it began with steering wheel vibrations between 90-100kph on the highway, but after getting past 100 the vibration goes away but the steering becomes floaty and car feels like it being pushed by crosswinds on the highway or like when an 18wheeler passes you by. I read on forums it could be a balancing issue , got that done but the vibration reduced slightly for a few days but now its back and i have got torque steer to the right. with the steering turn to the right on its own when i accelerate from a stop. went for balancing at KYSL and was told the camber on the right front is high +1.7 and he cannot fix it. He said could be anything from bearings to bent struts but was not sure of it. Im torn as to where to start what to look for, what could be the problem.. really appreciate your feedback and assistance.. !!

[rzapata]

Hi All TM3 members, it seems i got a big problem or maybe not, depending on what your feedback is, i have had a 2004 mazda3 for around 6months now, and slowly but surely the problems have began, first it began with steering wheel vibrations between 90-100kph on the highway, but after getting past 100 the vibration goes away but the steering becomes floaty and car feels like it being pushed by crosswinds on the highway or like when an 18wheeler passes you by. I read on forums it could be a balancing issue , got that done but the vibration reduced slightly for a few days but now its back and i have got torque steer to the right. with the steering turn to the right on its own when i accelerate from a stop. went for balancing at KYSL and was told the camber on the right front is high +1.7 and he cannot fix it. He said could be anything from bearings to bent struts but was not sure of it. Im torn as to where to start what to look for, what could be the problem.. really appreciate your feedback and assistance.. !!

Have you tried getting an alignment perhaps? It doesn't necessarily mean you've got bent struts or what not (possible but...). It's possible that an alignment can fix the issue.

[vinnierap]

^^^ +1 on alignment. If the alignment cant be fixed, then you can start looking at bearings, struts, tie rods, camber kit, etc.

[Red Mist]

I went to Tarik @ KYSL for alignment , he said he cant do anything about the front right except adjust the toe, wasnt too impressed with the work on the other wheels as well maybe cos my car is standard specs.. What he did a more of a on the top job than a thorough check.. any other places that do a good alignment fix n repairs ?

[TheMAN]

can't do anything? really? I guess he never heard of something called "camber bolts"

go to another shop and have them check for suspension damage too... if you have something bent, it'll really mess things up!

[SomeGuy]

If in doubt, go to the dealer...they're the ones that know how to fix these cars.

[boyracer]

"cant do anything about the front right except adjust the toe" ...... I can't stop shaking my head, It's just very sad

No other explanation was given to you? Wow

[xxSlidewaysxx]

Acually, there is not much adjust for the front camber, it's set due to the design of the parts. The rear has adjustment for CAM not front.