Steering float?

[Anakedhobo]

Hey guys, has anyone had issue with a floating feeling when you drive. Not any drug related sensation, seems worse at lower speeds (15-35ish) but still present above 60. I first noticed on some windy highway days, but erroneously thought it was the wind. Now when i drive it almost feels like the wheel is tugging hard off straight one direction, then corrects, then the other direction. This is not always the pattern..

Any ideas? I'm kind of a noob, but i love my P5 and would appreciate any help. Also, is this going to kill me in some type of dramatic failure?

 

[Jackie chan]

Get an alignment.

 

[Anakedhobo]

ok, that seems right. I just wondered if it could go out of alignment without hitting anything major. Guess so. Thanks

 

[Jackie chan]

Didn't realize that was your first post. Welcome to the forums! I'd start with an alignment first, but you should check your struts also. Another question is how long have you owned the Car? It might just be different from what your used to, if its new to you.

 

[jtlinna]

X2. Id say say check your struts and bearing plates. My strut bearings are toast and my car feels like i have no sway bars on it.

If thats all ok its time for alignment.

JT

 

[Anakedhobo]

New guy

Thanks for the welcome. I am thinking that the alignment is going to go a long way to solving my issue. Car has just near 92K on, what is mostly, all oem parts. I just picked up mazdaspeed3 18's and strapped them on without a second thought. Some conveniently windy days later and then I realized the error in my plan.

Question on alignments, if the tires are showing a fair bit of wear (2 are near replacement, 2 are about 50%) does it make sense to get an alignment now or wait till I have some new rubber? Also, should I be worried about the tiny gap left between the tire and the lower spring seat (see photo)?

Thanks for the heads up - New guy.

 

[Jackie chan]

Your tires cant effect the alignment process, you should be fine. the gap between the tire and the spring seat looks fine because the spring seats move w/ the tires.
You could get all of it done at the same time if you wanted to, but just an alignment for now should help. rotate your tires so you can replace all of them at the same time.

 

[Teeson]

some places won't warranty your tires unless you get an alignment at the same time... just FYI

lol rotate those tires and burn them off