Mazda5 pulls slightly to the right.

[pedro_mazda]

Hey guys,

I have the 2008 Mazda5 and I noticed that it pulls slightly to the right. More noticeable driving on freeways. Theres no wheel vibration or any unusual noices. When I tried driving slowly on straight roads (not freeways) and tried releasing my handle on the steering wheel, it usually follows a straight line.

I also noticed this slight pull to the right on my old honda car(had already undergone wheel alignment). Is this normal? Are the roads/freeways designed to slope to the right?

My warrranty will cover this right? I'm thinking of taking it to the dealership.

Thanks
bnew car newbie

[CX-7owner]

If you're under one year/12,000 miles, yes.

It sounds like an alignment;

[rweatherford]

Could it be tracking the depressions in the road caused by heavy trucks?

[pedro_mazda]

Could it be tracking the depressions in the road caused by heavy trucks?

very possible cause Ive been taking the slow lane during the break-in period! :) I'll try the fast lanes and if its the same results, I think time to take it to service.

another dumb question.. do I need to call the service dept for an appointment or I can just drive in. how long does it take for this kind of service? or an oil change?

[rweatherford]

I would call about the alignment.

[patandski]

Alignment, I'm on my second set of tires 41K get into the service department before you eat $400 in new tires.

[davidjs]

Potentially quick fix: Check your tire pressures. If they're off on one side, it will not track straight.

[Rocket]

Roads generally do have a "crown". That means they are slightly humped in the middle, sloping to the sides, to allow water to run off. So one would expect to have a slight tendency to pull to the right.

As others have mentioned, check your tire pressures as well. With low profile tires, even a slight difference (1 pound) can make a big difference. Check the rears as well.

[Evan_in_CA]

If it only does it on freeways it's probably related to the crown in the road or torque steer. I noticed the same thing on the 5 that I just bought, had the alignment checked and it came out tip top, so I chalked it up to an imperceptible crown on certain roads.(shrug)