I have a 04' RX8 and have been noticing some odd steering, the steering feels loose at times. At a redlight yesterday I was sitting there with my hands off the wheel and all of a sudden my steering wheel started turning all the way to the right by itself , the road is straight and flat no hill or anythang . Could anyone help me out with what this could be ?

 

Is it out of alignment?

I think the low profile tires like to follow the grooves and contours of the road big time. I'd think that is probably what is going on. I think there is a TSB or a recall on something to do with the steering...might get that checked out, but my guess is your car is just following the grooves in the road

 

I've noticed it once or twice but as J6 said its most likely the tires conforming to the road. Even though you think the road is flat it usualy isnt. I've usualy had this happen when I take my hands off the steering wheel and it will turn left or right 'cause there is a slight bump under the front tires. Now if this happens while driving and its sever I'd suggest taking it in.

 

Its probably tramlining; the wheels are conforming to the grooves and contours of the pavement and it causes the steering wheel to move or behave erratically.

It's common with low-profile, and wide performance tires and it becomes more noticeable depending on how bad the road is. Its perfectly normal and my 8 does it too sometimes. Just keep a firm grip on the steering wheel while you are driving and its probably nothing to worry about.

If it seems to happen even on pavement that you know is perfectly flat (and keep in mind that most streets are not), then take your 8 in. There could possibly be a steering or alignment issue.

 

If you were still moving slowly and this happened, I'd agree with the other responses. My car does this too, and always in the same location...a certain stoplight that catches me on the way home from work. The first time it happened, I freaked. The best way to test it is to go back to the exact place it happened and see if it reoccurs. Then you'll know.

If this happened while you were STOPPED, then that might be something else altogether...I've never had this happen while stopped.

 

Wait a minute....I just re-read your first post...your steering wheel started turning while you were stopped?! Maybe it was thinking it is a Lexus and wanted to parallel park itself for you? Sorry, couldn't resist....

 

I agree low profile tires causing it to move to contour of road.

 

for loose steering get an alignment and ask to have as much castor as possible.

 

If he was stopped when that happen, there is some serious problem with the electric power steering or the rack.

 

Hmmm wierd, the same happens to me. When I slow down and stop the steering wheel goes just about in a 360 to the right. This only happens when I'm slowing down or am completely stopped...