Ask the Car People.SM


Mazda 3 Steering & Suspension Questions

56 messages,  Last post on Aug 28, 2009 at 1:38 PM

You are in the Mazda3 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Mazda MAZDA3, Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3, Sedan

Messages Page 1 of 6

#1 of 56 Power steering by sagrarioluque7

Apr 08, 2007 (7:35 am)

Guys and gals, I was on my way back from my easter holiday and the steering wheel went really stiff and the power steering light went on. The owner's manual said to shut the car off and the light would go off. It actually did, but it went back on after a while. Do you guys have any idea what's going on? And how may I fix that problem. I live in Central America by the way, and drive a 2.3 Mazda 3.

#2 of 56 Power steering by sagrarioluque7

Apr 08, 2007 (7:36 am)

Guys and gals, I was on my way back from my easter holiday and the steering wheel went really stiff and the power steering light went on. The owner's manual said to shut the car off and the light would go off. It actually did, but it went back on after a while. Do you guys have any idea what's going on? And how may I fix that problem. I live in Central America by the way, and drive a 2.3 Mazda 3.

#3 of 56 Re: Power steering [sagrarioluque7] by stallionre

Apr 09, 2007 (8:39 am)

Replying to: sagrarioluque7 (Apr 08, 2007 7:35 am)
Sounds like to me either two things, the pump is low on fluid or the pump is not working correctly. Is it still under warranty? I believe the pump is electronic, since this car is mostly electronic and hydraulic pumps. If the pump is belt driven, then maybe the belt is too lose and the pump is not working.

#4 of 56 Housekeeping by pf_flyer HOST

Apr 09, 2007 (9:35 am)

I'm going to rename this discussion to make it our main Mazda discussion for steering/suspension issues.
 
This will be the spot to discuss any Mazda 3 steering/suspension problems or questions.

#5 of 56 Re: Housekeeping [pf_flyer] by stallionre

Apr 09, 2007 (10:48 am)

Replying to: pf_flyer (Apr 09, 2007 9:35 am)
Thanks, that sounds great. I would how Mazda owners have this issue. My issue is about the burning smell from the rear brakes after I drove for 8 miles. The car has 20 miles on it. Is this normal?

#6 of 56 Hmmm by pf_flyer HOST

Apr 09, 2007 (11:08 am)

What you probably are smelling is the protective coating burning off the new exhaust system. If the burning smell was coming from the rear brakes I would think you would have mentioned the feeling of the car not wanting to accelerate or dragging because the rear brakes are engaged. (Almost like you have the emergency brake on) And if your rear brakes WERE on, you should also feel some heat near the rear wheels because brakes dragging like that would get VERY hot fairly quickly.

#7 of 56 Re: Hmmm [pf_flyer] by stallionre

Apr 09, 2007 (11:36 am)

Replying to: pf_flyer (Apr 09, 2007 11:08 am)
Thanks pd_flyer. Should I not worry about it then? What I smell was at the rear end of the vehicle. I can not pin point the exact location, however it smelt like the brakes, but maybe that is because it is close to the exhaust system at the rear. It smelt like plastic like you said. The smell was all at the rear end. I felt no drag at all while driving. Everything was normal. I did hear a noise at the rear when I stepped onto the brakes, but maybe because it is too new yet. What do you think? Have your heard of any of this before? Thanks for your help.

#8 of 56 Re: Hmmm [stallionre] by aviboy97

Apr 09, 2007 (11:44 am)

Replying to: stallionre (Apr 09, 2007 11:36 am)
Check your battery as well. The Mazda3 uses a hydro-electric motor. If you have a low battery, it does effect your power steering.

#9 of 56 Re: Hmmm [aviboy97] by audia8q

Apr 09, 2007 (11:54 am)

Replying to: aviboy97 (Apr 09, 2007 11:44 am)
good idea. I was going to suggest the samething.

#10 of 56 Re: Hmmm [stallionre] by pf_flyer HOST

Apr 09, 2007 (1:44 pm)

Replying to: stallionre (Apr 09, 2007 11:36 am)
If you felt no drag, I'd say it's the protective coating buring off the exhaust. Should all be gone after a day or two of driving. And not being able to pinpoint the location, but smelling it all at the rear end fits the profile.
 
If it's still there or getting worse after like 5 days you might want to have your dealer take a look, but I'd bet it will fade away shortly.
 
You're still getting used to the car and ANY noises it makes are going to seem strange at first. I just bought a new car in Feb, had the "new exhaust" smell and have learned most of the noises that it makes that are different from my past vehicles.
 
Hope you're enjoying your new ride!

Messages Page 1 of 6

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement