What are the reasons for the heavy steering wheel of the Mazda6?
2 Answers
The reasons for the heavy steering wheel of the Mazda6 are: 1. Power steering pump failure; 2. Steering gear failure; 3. Lack of oil or air in the power steering system; 4. Clogged return oil filter in the oil reservoir. Taking the 2015 Mazda6 as an example, its body structure is a 4-door, 5-seater sedan with body dimensions of 4670mm in length, 1780mm in width, and 1435mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2675mm. The 2015 Mazda6 features a double-wishbone independent front suspension with a stabilizer bar, a multi-link independent rear suspension, and is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 147PS, a maximum power of 108kW, and a maximum torque of 183Nm, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission.
When I was driving my Mazda6, I encountered a problem with the steering wheel becoming heavy, which was quite a headache. That time on the highway, the steering felt particularly stiff, and turning was especially laborious. The cause could be low tire pressure—if the tire pressure is below the standard value, the tire's contact area increases, friction rises, and steering resistance becomes greater. Alternatively, the power steering system might be malfunctioning. Most Mazda6 models use Electric Power Steering (EPS), and if that module fails or doesn't work properly, the power assist is lost, making the steering naturally heavy. Mechanical issues, such as wear or lack of lubrication in the steering shaft, can also cause stiffness. My advice is, don’t panic—first, use a tire pressure gauge to check all four tires and ensure the pressure is between 30-35 psi. If the steering is still heavy, take it to a professional shop immediately to inspect the EPS controller or scan for error codes. Ignoring it can make handling difficult, especially at high speeds, and may damage other components. Regular maintenance of the steering system can prevent such issues.
