Troubleshooting suspension and steering (Mazda Capella GC)

Note: Before concluding that there is a problem with the suspension or steering, make sure that the problem is not caused by incorrect tire pressure, wheel drag, or the fact that tires of different types are installed.

The car is driving in one direction

• Defective tire (Section 1)
• Excessive wear of suspension or steering components (Section 10)
• Incorrect installation of the front wheels (Section 10)
• Damage to steering or suspension components in a crash (Section 10)

Wheel runout and vibration

• The front wheels are unbalanced (the vibration is felt mainly in the steering wheel) (Section 10)
• The rear wheels are unbalanced (the whole car vibrates) (Section 10)
• The wheels are damaged or deformed (Section 10)
• Defective or damaged tire (Section 10)
• Worn steering or suspension joints, bushings or components (Section 10)
• Wheel mounting bolts are loose (Section 1)

Loud squealing noise when braking and/or turning

• Defective Hydragas blocks and/or shock absorbers (where are they installed?) (Section 10)
• Damaged or loose suspension components (Section 10)
• The anti-roll bar or mountings are worn or damaged (Section 10)

The car pulls in different directions

• Incorrect installation of the front wheels (Section 10)
• Worn steering or suspension joints, bushings or components (Section 10)
• The wheels are unbalanced (Section 10)
• The tire is damaged (Section 10)
• The wheel nuts have become loose (Section 1)
• Defective Hydragas blocks and/or shock absorbers (where are they installed?) (Section 10)

Steering is too tight

• Not enough lubricant in the steering gear (Section 10)
• The tie rod ball joint or suspension ball joint is jammed (Section 10)
• Incorrect installation of the front wheels (Section 10)
• The steering rack or steering column is bent or damaged (Section 10)

Excessive steering play

• The steering column universal joint or intermediate coupling is worn out (Section 10)
• The ball joints of the steering tie rod are worn out (Section 10)
• The steering gear is worn out (Section 10)
• Worn steering or suspension joints, bushings or components (Section 10)
• The steering column universal joint or intermediate coupling is worn out (Section 10)
• The ball joints of the steering tie rod are worn out (Section 10)
• The steering gear is worn out (Section 10)
• Worn steering or suspension joints, bushings or components (Section 10)

Excessive tire wear

Tires are worn on the inside or outside edge

• Tire pressure is insufficient (both edges are worn out) (Section 1)
• Incorrect camber or caster angles (wear on one edge only) (Section 10)
• Worn steering or suspension joints, bushings or components (Section 10)
• Accident damage

The edges of the protectors have a fringe appearance

• Incorrect alignment (Section 10)

The tires are worn in the center of the tread

• Tire pressure too high (Section 1)

The tires are worn on both the inner and outer edges

• Low tire pressure (Section 1)

The tires are worn unevenly

• Tires/wheels are unbalanced
• Excessive wheel runout
• Defective Hydragas blocks and/or worn shock absorbers (where are they installed?) (Section 10)
• The tire is damaged (Section 1)