stearing problems

[barod60]

My 3 has 18K miles on it. lately i've noticed that im constantly correcting
my stering while driving on relatively flat roads. i took it to the dealer and they claim it's normal due to the electronic stearing. could this be true? is the 3's stearing so sensative that any irregularity on the road will make it wonder?

 

[mllaneta]

Did the dealer even attempt to troubleshoot? It could be an alignment issue. Examine your tires for uneven strange wear... Your car really shouldn't be in need of constant correction to keep it going straight on a relatively flat road.

 

[Hirudin]

I have the same problem. I'll be on a seemingly flat road but will be pulling left. Then I'll try to correct and it will continue to pull left. After a little more aggressive correction the car will begin to track straight, or maybe even pull left.
[edit]Oops typo... I meant "or maybe even pull right."[/edit]

It happens a lot.

My buddy who has driven his mom's Miatta said her car had the same problem and he noticed in mine very quickly after driving for only a few minutes.

 

[mllaneta]

I have the same problem. I'll be on a seemingly flat road but will be pulling left. Then I'll try to correct and it will continue to pull left. After a little more aggressive correction the car will begin to track straight, or maybe even pull left.

It happens a lot.

My buddy who has driven his mom's Miatta said her car had the same problem and he noticed in mine very quickly after driving for only a few minutes.

hmm.. Let's start with the easy and obvious.. Tire pressures? I've experienced what you're talking about in the past with my NA miata. Especially when one tire or side is significantly lower in pressure. Not sure how sensitive the MS3 is stock to such things. But then again I'm pretty anal about checking tire pressures now.

 

[turbobst]

My thoughts would have to be check tire pressure as well.
Tire pressure makes a HUGE difference in the way the car behaves.

 

[Hirudin]

I corrected my post above, I accidentally said that the car would continue to pull left when I meant pull right... In other words, the car will pull in different directions, sometimes seemingly dependent on how enthusiastically I turn the steering wheel to correct.

 

[mllaneta]

I corrected my post above, I accidentally said that the car would continue to pull left when I meant pull right... In other words, the car will pull in different directions, sometimes seemingly dependent on how enthusiastically I turn the steering wheel to correct.

Gaaahh!! Well that's certainly different then.. Sounds like a worn ball joint. A common sign of a worn ball joint(s) are wandering, uneven tire wear, and or inconsistant steering. You might want to have that checked out. Definately find a mechanic you can trust..

Just my guess though.. What do I know anyway?? I'm in a forum

 

[CosmicBlueMS3]

I corrected my post above, I accidentally said that the car would continue to pull left when I meant pull right... In other words, the car will pull in different directions, sometimes seemingly dependent on how enthusiastically I turn the steering wheel to correct.

did they check your alignment? it sounds like you may have excessive toe out. toe out is great for corner entry and initiating a turn, but its awful for tracking straight down the highway, it will also lead to premature tire wear.

 

[Hirudin]

Hmmm... I don't think it's anything serious on my car (it doesn't sound like barod60 is terribly concerned either). It's more of a curiosity for me.