2012 Mazda 3 Steering problem
 

Hey guys :)

Just bought a 2012 Mazda 3 Skyactive I-Touring about 3 weeks ago and been quite fond of it until now. About a week ago I pulled rookie mistake and came around the corner too fast and bounced my rear passenger tire off a curb. I felt devasted and so stupid, thankfully however, the damange was very minimal... just a very minor scratch on the rim thats barely visible. I checked for alingment/bent suspensions and tire was told from Les Schwab (free inspection) that everything was fine.

Now the problem is I am not quite sure when this began but I began to notice that its become rather difficult to turn the steering. The steering feels way too firm and almost too rigid to make turns with one hand. When i first bought the car 3 weeks ago (about 400miles now) the car felt sharp, turned smoothly and gracefully but it now it takes a good effort to turn. Im really at loss what the problem could be - Its a brand new car and wondering maybe bouncing off the curb could have caused an issue?

Any advice/help would be greatly apprecaited...

if it still drives straight it's probably not alignment. Difficult steering shouldn't happen from something hitting in the rear, may be time to ask the dealership if there are any issues they have heard of... since it is under warranty. Don't mention hitting the curb unless you're pressed to do so, since they will say that's why if it is or not.

Thanks kindly for the reply, i have scheduled an appointment with my dealer to have it looked at next monday hopefully its nothing major i will report back whats was the issue, sure sucks to drive around with a stiff steering tho since the whole reason why i bought this car was the superb handeling :/