How to Solve the Steering Gear Noise Issue in Mazda Atenza?
2 Answers
The steering gear is composed of various plastic components. When turning, if the gap is too small, different sounds may occur, especially in new cars. Polishing for a period of time can usually resolve this. It could be due to a broken airbag wire or an unplugged airbag wire connector. Replacing the airbag wire or securing the connector should fix the issue. Another possible cause is excessive gap between the steering gear and the gear. In this case, replacing the steering gear may be necessary.
Last time I drove my Mazda6, there was always an annoying creaking sound from the steering wheel when turning, which is most likely a steering gear issue. I suspect it might be due to worn steering bearings or insufficient lubrication of internal gears. You can try checking the steering wheel connections yourself - test the tightness and lubrication condition, maybe apply some specialized steering grease to see if it improves. If the noise persists, components might be aging or loose and require professional replacement. I must remind you, don't delay this matter - steering safety is no joke, having issues at highway speeds would be terrible. I usually get my steering system maintained at the dealership every quarter - preventive maintenance saves a lot of hassle and extends the vehicle's lifespan. As for those DIY methods online, I haven't tried them - they don't seem reliable to me, it's safer to get expert diagnosis.