Steering Tie Rod Assembly Problems of Mazda CX9

Tl the contact owns a 2008 Mazda cx-9. The contact stated that the air bag indicator was illuminated. While driving 20 mph, the steering wheel was loose and pulled while making turns. Additionally, the passenger side of the vehicle shook. The vehicle was taken to cj wilson Mazda (8910 w 159th st, orland park, IL 60462) where it was diagnosed that a wheel alignment was needed and a tie rod replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The failure mileage was 237,000.

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While driving on the highway coming home from a trip I noticed that every time I hit a small bump the front end would move one direction and then come back hard the other way. When I returned home I took the car to my mechanic who informed my that my lower ball joints were extremely loose (1/2" of movement) and that I was lucky they did not fall out. He also said it was so bad that it wasn't even safe for him to test drive the car. Both sides had to have the following replaced: outer tie rod, lower control arm/ball joint, and the sway bar link. I feel very fortunate that I did not have a wheel come off while driving on the highway with my family as others have experienced with this same issue.

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I had been hearing a knocking noise in my car when I went to make left or right hand turns for approximately a week. After having my mechanic investigate he took a look at the ball joints, they are 'non-serviceable,' which means they are a sealed unit. He said from what he could tell they were fine. Later that day I attempted to pull out of a parking space. My wheels were spinning in the snow, I got out and took a look and my front left tire was off! the ball joint was no longer attached the the car. The only thing securing the wheel to the car was the tie rod. After having it towed to my garage both lower control arms were replaced on the vehicle (one per side) along with the cv joint. They were replaced with Mazda parts. Inspection on the passenger right side revealed there was barely any grease in that ball joint. I had luck on my side that day otherwise I am certain someone would have died.

There have been a multitude of problems on the vehicle (two sets of brakes, tierod, electrical overhaul vacuum hoses. . . ) the major issue has been oil leaking. This past summer (2011) there was an oil leak. The dealer had the car for several days before diagnosing that it was the rear main seal. The seal was replaced (car was at dealer for nearly two weeks. ) this fall (2011) oil was still leaking. After several days the dealer contacted Mazda corporate and they suggested replacing the transmission, claiming it was not uncommon. The dealer replaced the transmission. Winter/spring 2012 oil still leaking, car is currently at the dealer - claiming it is the rear main seal. Again? wouldn't that have been replaced with the new transmission?.