First post! Off center steering wheel, funky brake pedal, creaking.

7687 Views 25 Replies 7 Participants Last post by RODSCALIP5, Mar 5, 2019

Sleven89

Discussion Starter · Nov 25, 2015

So my 2015 has 2300 miles on the clock and since new (320 miles) the steering wheel has been off center to the right about 4 degrees. I've brought the car to the dealership twice to get the wheel centered and each time they tell me it's good to go and what do ya know it's exactly the same. They keep insisting that the car is aligned, to which I reply that the car doesn't have an alignment issue, the wheel just needs centered. So the car is in service now hopefully getting fixed. In addition to this I hear/feel a strange farting rubbing sound when I press the brake coming from the pedal. Third, when driving in the rain I hear a loud creaking when driving over speed bumps that sounds like control arm bushings. Anyone else have these issues on your brand new car?

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minsanity

· #2 · Nov 25, 2015

Try checking tire pressure. The fronts & rears should be equal. Crunchy brakes? Just needs rotor, caliper, pad cleaning. On speed bump impact noises, check if your front springs came w/ this white rubber spring protector. 1 on each side where the spring sits on the upper strutmount...

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Sleven89

Discussion Starter · #3 · Nov 25, 2015

minsanity said:
Try checking tire pressure. The fronts & rears should be equal. Crunchy brakes? Just needs rotor, caliper, pad cleaning. On speed bump impact noises, check if your front springs came w/ this white rubber spring protector. 1 on each side where the spring sits on the upper strutmount...

I had the car brought in for the tsb relating the spring protector and bump stops and that issue was resolved however that was a clunk over speed bumps this is a creaking sound like you would hear from an old trucks bushing and it is only when the undercarriage is wet. The brake sound is only heard inside the car and only from the pedal when it is first depressed maybe an inch.

paulff3

· #4 · Nov 27, 2015

There is a tsb for the steering wheel issue. Show it to the dealership.

seanc81

· #5 · Nov 29, 2015

I posted a reply about the steering wheel issue. I had the same problem. I had the dealer put the car on the alignment rack and make them position the steering wheel slightly to the LEFT. Solved my issue, my wheel is perfectly straight. Remember, if they preform an alignment with the wheel exactly straight with no one sitting in the car it will be off to the right a bit, as weight on the driver side causes the car to sag to the left (slightly) which makes the steering wheel go to the right. I agree though, from factory on the 2014+ Mazda 3's there is an issue with off center steering wheels.

paulff3

· #6 · Nov 29, 2015

Mine sits at 11 or 10:30. I asked about it during the purchase process and got a bull shit answer "Mazda recommends waiting 1,200 miles before making adjustments". Flat out lie.

oldfartwithamazda3

· #7 · Nov 29, 2015

Maybe when they originally aligned the wheel in Japan, the assembler sat in the passenger seat. You know in Japan they drive just the opposite of US. LOL

Sleven89

Discussion Starter · #8 · Nov 29, 2015

It is not difficult as outlined by the tsb for the steering issue. But the dealer is lazy and would rather collect the money from Mazda for the alignment and not actually perform any alignment. Of course it isn't the biggest deal in the world but a new car should look like a new car and not some ill-maintained pos from the 80s.

seanc81

· #9 · Nov 29, 2015

Remember, if the tech performs an alignment and the steering wheel is not center that's simply because the technician didn't properly position the steering wheel and lock it down in the correct position before setting the "toe". If they are good, they should take the car for a spin after to ensure the steering wheel is center when driving down a flat road. #lazypeople

Sleven89

Discussion Starter · #10 · Dec 4, 2015

Update: got the car back after a week, the off center wheel was finally fixed and is where it should be. The creaky brake pedal was due to a faulty brake booster diaphragm and was replaced. The creaking over bumps was due to a tsb, lower control arm bushings. Car finally seems to be acting perfect!

Reactions: 1

paulff3

· #11 · Dec 4, 2015

Mine goes in Monday to get the steering wheel centered. I hope I'm as successful as you.

Sleven89

Discussion Starter · #12 · Dec 4, 2015

Took me three tries. Just don't let them bully you. They kept telling me "it's aligned, it's the crown of the road, it's dog-tracking but it's good now" I told them this is a new car and I'm gonna keep bringing it back until it looks like one. Seemed to work. Good luck!

Reactions: 1

paulff3

· #13 · Dec 7, 2015

Swing and a miss. Not sure they did anything. Going back.

Sleven89

Discussion Starter · #14 · Dec 7, 2015

Try this, good luck!
http://mazda3revolution.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=85834&d=1415214309

paulff3

· #15 · Dec 7, 2015

I gave the TSB to the advisor.

paulff3

· #16 · Dec 29, 2015

At dealership for second attempt at getting this fixed.

paulff3

· #17 · Dec 29, 2015

Rejected! Still not fixed. Going back Thursday for attempt number 3. As God is my witness, I will get this fixed.

paulff3

· #18 · Dec 31, 2015

It's fixed! It's fixed! 3 tries, but it's fixed.

They used the alignment rack. Tech said it was easier than the TSB method.

seanc81

· #19 · Jan 1, 2016

I had the bushings changed twice cause of the awesome nose when turning into a parking lot or reversing out of my driveway...It'll come back, just saying. This is my 4th Mazda 3 and I've experienced this issue with all 4 cars, crazy.

stonehelate

· #20 · Jan 1, 2016

Had this problem on the Mazda2 i had before, that my partner now owns. The 3 is ok tho.

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