Hi,
I've got a problem with my steering that I've only noticed during the last 3-4 weeks.
If I let the wheel go when it's centred, the car will move pretty quickly into the pavement.
So when I'm driving, I've always got right hand pressure on the steering wheel to keep it going in a staright line.
I would suspect the tracking, but I'm pretty sure I haven't hit/mounted any pavements.
The tyre pressures are all OK as well.

The really daft thing is that my MX-3 was doing the same thing just before I traded it in for the 323; I had the tracking checked twice and there was nothing wrong with it.
Just remembered that I never liked the steeeing on my wife's old 323 (pop-up lights); it would never centre itself, but the local Mazda dealer said there was nothing wrong with it.
Could start to get paranoid

Anyway, with the MX-3, I couldn't find anyone who would admit to being up to scratch will all things steering related.
So, is this a Mazda thing or is there a simple explanation or are they really out to get me ?

thanks,

Sounds like your brakes to me, one side sticking on.

can happen with all cars. Mine drifts to the left slightly. Getting the tracking done doesn't sort it. I think you have to have the steering wheel realigned with the wheels. Someone tell me if I'm wrong

Stop Drinking before you drive ??

nahh seriously, mine does the same from time to time, I have 17s on and it can waver all over the road, gonna get my tracking done again in next few weeks to see if it sorts it. Its not just a Mazda thing, most cars do it at some point lol.

I had a slight problem with this - completely disapeared after I changed the wheels for the bigger, wider ones. Is fine now.

Are the tyres the same size/age/make/model/state of wear?

Mark

The front tyres were new when I bought it 3 months ago.
They're all the same brand and and the wear is the same on both axles.
I know it's not just a Mazda thing, though I fetlt a bit paranoid for a moment !!

Maybe I'll just have to book it into a garage for a good all-round check - including the brakes.

Thanks all.

hmmm just took my 323 to kwik fit for tracking they said it dosnt need tracking even though the front right drivers wheel has worn on the inner side and it pulls slighty to the left grrr driving me mad lol

It could be the steering geometry. maybe the camber's out.
They can't check for that sort of thing.

Does the 323 have rear tracking adjustment? - I was told my MX-3 did.

[quote="wombleuk"]It could be the steering geometry. maybe the camber's out.
They can't check for that sort of thing.

Does the 323 have rear tracking adjustment? - I was told my MX-3 did.[/quote]

Yes - the 323F does have rear tracking adjustment. Two cams in the middle of the cross-member between the two back wheels.

Mine was a little off before but now it is extremely off after I changed a lower ball joint on the front. Cruising on the motorway isnt a pleasant experience very vague.

Hopefully get sorted tomorrow.

my car used to go pavement happy, till i had the suspension upgraded and set up with as near to the whiteline settings as poss, that was a couple o months ago, so it needs doin again, but you can't beat a good proffesional 4 wheel alignemnt, i drive 100+ miles to get mine done!!! really has cured the high speed 'floating' and turn in is razor sharp, just wait till the sway bar goes on :D:D

I may have to head for a near by 4 wheel aligner soon!

Went in to get the tracking done, guy says go and talk to the lass on reception, moments later he calls me back and says there isnt anything wrong with it!!

Came back home and checked the brakes werent sticking, both wheels have the same resistance so its not that.

How much was the 4 wheel aligners charge andy??

Sounds dodgy, 'cause it usually takes at least 15-20 minutes to attach all the electronic goodies to the car and set up the computer and calibrate it for your car ....

Ah... should of explained i stood while they put all the hooks and laser sights on the wheels

[quote="fastmike"]I may have to head for a near by 4 wheel aligner soon!

Went in to get the tracking done, guy says go and talk to the lass on reception, moments later he calls me back and says there isnt anything wrong with it!!

Came back home and checked the brakes werent sticking, both wheels have the same resistance so its not that.

How much was the 4 wheel aligners charge andy?? [/quote]

a similar thing happened to me not so long ago as well, currently just living with the problem, so if ne1 gets it fixed please use an illuminous sign so we can all get it sorted

This may not be the wisest thing I've done but...

I adjusted the tracking on one of my wheels. I just thought in my head which way the car pulls and adjusted one of the wheels accordingly, I only moved the track rod about 1 full turn (about 1-2mm movement down the thread). Hey presto it drives stunning!

It doesn't pull to the right, it drives pretty much bang on straight!

I think we are all having problems with our cars because the steering is so sensitive. I reckon I only moved the wheel about 1 degree to nearside if that and it drives much nicer.

[quote="fastmike"]This may not be the wisest thing I've done but...

I adjusted the tracking on one of my wheels. I just thought in my head which way the car pulls and adjusted one of the wheels accordingly, I only moved the track rod about 1 full turn (about 1-2mm movement down the thread). Hey presto it drives stunning!

It doesn't pull to the right, it drives pretty much bang on straight!

I think we are all having problems with our cars because the steering is so sensitive. I reckon I only moved the wheel about 1 degree to nearside if that and it drives much nicer.[/quote]

Well done lad ! In some respects, all the electronics in the world can't match gut feel ...

[quote="Smotter"]Sounds dodgy, 'cause it usually takes at least 15-20 minutes to attach all the electronic goodies to the car and set up the computer and calibrate it for your car ....[/quote]

The place i went to used them laser things... Took him a couple of minutes to setup...

Anyway, theres alot more things to check before getting it tracked... eg

- Tyre pressure
- Ball joints
- Brakes
- Wheel bearings
- Fat b*tch in the passenger seat etc etc