Mazda repu manual rack or power steering rack
10-29-16, 10:12 AM
#2
Engine, Not Motor
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Location: London, Ontario, Canada
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Just Googled up an image of the REPU front subframe. Looks a lot like the Cosmo (and RX-4) subframe.
When I converted my Cosmo (RX-5) to rack and pinion I used a RHD Miata rack mounted behind the subframe.
Inner tie rods needed to be shortened a few inches but the pivots ended up basically in line with the control arm pivots. Was a bit of a tight squeeze getting the steering shaft to it but solved that with a double U joint.
I used a powered rack. Have not driven the car, but have pushed it around. I'd say that the rack wouldn't need power for anyone used to driving an RX-7 with a manual rack. On a truck with wide tires that might be a different situation. I do intend to power the rack as I'll be running larger modern tires and want the car to be drivable by "anyone".
Here's the videos in which I do the conversion:
When I converted my Cosmo (RX-5) to rack and pinion I used a RHD Miata rack mounted behind the subframe.
Inner tie rods needed to be shortened a few inches but the pivots ended up basically in line with the control arm pivots. Was a bit of a tight squeeze getting the steering shaft to it but solved that with a double U joint.
I used a powered rack. Have not driven the car, but have pushed it around. I'd say that the rack wouldn't need power for anyone used to driving an RX-7 with a manual rack. On a truck with wide tires that might be a different situation. I do intend to power the rack as I'll be running larger modern tires and want the car to be drivable by "anyone".
Here's the videos in which I do the conversion:
11-05-16, 07:53 PM
#6
Junior Member
I used a manual rack, but then added an electric power steering box out of a Saturn, only cost me 65$ for the computer controller off ebay, it allows you to dial in the amount of resistance you want when turning. If you look closely at the photo you can see the bottom half of the electric steering motor. The best part is that there are no hydraulic lines or fluid to mess with.
