1999 Mazda 262 Steering Fishtails

MAZDA

MAPA

MEMBER
1 POST

Hi,
We have a 1999 Mazda 262 with 72,000 miles, 4 cyl.
My husband got stuck in the snow last week and had a friend pull him out. NOw something is terribly wrong....the steering doesn't seem to be connected????? If you make a turn it is fine but driving straight the car fishtails all over the place and steering doesn't help. It is like driving on ice. We live 18 miles from the nearest repair place and are hesitant about driving that far. Any idea what the problem is and should we pay a million dollars to have it towed? Help

Mar 15, 2007 at 11:12 AM

MHPAUTOS

✓Experienced Mechanic
31,937 POSTS

Hi there,

It sounds like you have dragged the car out of the snow by attaching the tow rope / chain to the suspensin or steering, this is a sure fire way to bend something, I would not drive it, get it towed to your repairer, and always attach to the sub frame tow point to tow stuck cars, your owners hand book will show you where to attach.

Good luck,

Mark (mhpautos)

Mar 15, 2007 at 1:00 PM

Suggested Repair

Do not drive the car. Have it towed to a repair shop to inspect for bent steering or suspension parts, which can result from attaching a tow rope or chain to those components. Use the subframe tow point shown in the owner's handbook when pulling a stuck vehicle.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1999 Mazda 262 says the car fishtails when driving straight and the steering feels disconnected after it was pulled from snow. The expert advises not driving it and having it towed, suspecting bent steering or suspension from improper tow attachment rather than use of the subframe tow point.

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1999 Mazda 262 Steering Fishtails

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