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2017 Mazda 6 - Loose steering, wandering on highway

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 3:34 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 Mazda 6 Grand Touring

Hey everyone,

I've got a 2017 Mazda 6 Grand Touring with about 80,000 miles, and lately, the steering has started to feel really loose. It feels like I'm constantly making small corrections to keep the car going straight, especially on the highway. It just doesn't feel as precise or responsive as it used to.

There's no specific noise, just this general feeling of vagueness in the steering. I'm worried it might be something serious. Could it be an alignment issue, or something worse?

Any ideas on what could be causing this wandering feeling? Thanks in advance!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 3:34 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

A loose or vague steering feel, often described as 'wandering' on the highway, is a classic symptom of wear in several key steering and suspension components. With 80,000 miles on your 2017 Mazda 6, it's definitely time for a thorough inspection.

Here are the most common causes for these symptoms:

  1. Common Causes:

    • Worn Tie Rod Ends: Both inner and outer tie rod ends can develop play. These components connect the steering rack to the steering knuckle, and wear here directly translates to loose steering and poor alignment.
    • Worn Ball Joints: The lower (and sometimes upper) ball joints connect the control arm to the steering knuckle. Play in these can cause wandering, clunking, and uneven tire wear.
    • Control Arm Bushings: Degraded rubber bushings in the control arms allow excessive movement of the suspension components, leading to alignment issues and a loose feel.
    • Wheel Bearings: While less common for just 'loose steering,' a severely worn wheel bearing can introduce play that affects steering precision.
    • Steering Rack/Power Steering System: Issues within the steering rack itself (e.g., internal wear, fluid leaks in hydraulic systems, or electronic issues in electric power steering) can cause a loose feeling.
    • Tire Issues: Uneven tire wear, improper tire pressure, or even worn-out tires can sometimes contribute to a wandering sensation.

  2. Diagnostics:

    • A professional mechanic will lift the vehicle and perform a comprehensive inspection. This involves checking for play in all steering and suspension components by hand and with specialized tools.
    • They will also check for fluid leaks (if hydraulic power steering) and inspect tire condition and pressure.
    • An alignment check will be performed to see if the vehicle's geometry is out of specification.

  3. When to See a Shop:

    • You should have this inspected as soon as possible. Loose steering significantly compromises your ability to control the vehicle, especially at highway speeds or during emergency maneuvers. It's a major safety concern. Driving with worn steering components can also accelerate wear on other parts and lead to uneven and premature tire wear. Don't delay in getting this diagnosed and repaired.
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