Hello To All!
Perhaps you can give me insight to what may be going on with my 1985 GS with 145k miles, manual trans and no power steering. The steering has not felt precise and heavy in recent years, have to manhandle the wheel to get it to turn particularly when parking and when on the highway it has the tendency to wander. The only changes were the tires going from the stock 185/70/13 to 205/60/13 done several years ago. The front end was aligned and the tire pressures are checked before driving the few times I've driven it. I haven't been driving the car much in recent years as it pretty much sits in the garage but would like to once again. Could it be the recirculating ball steering is worn or could it just be the larger tires? Your thoughts appreciated.

 

Howdy -
Have same tire set up as you (80GS, 105,000mi) and have noted no diff in steering from tire change.
Have you checked the fluid level in the steering box? Don't have the service manual in front of me but recall the access is by a white nylon nut on the top of the box? Level should (again I am going by memory here...) just touch the BOTTOM of the lowest edge of the hole.
Recall that 'box takes regular differential-style gear oil. If it were me, I would try to syringe out as much old oil as I could and replace with fresh oil anyway...

Beyond that there is some limited adjustment of the box. In the center of the box is a large screw that when its lock nut is released allows it to be tightened. That said you need to be VERY careful not to OVER tighten: it will sharpen things up if you crank it tight, but will really accelerate the wear of the components inside in doing so!! Have heard best to tighten down, then back off the screw a 1/2 turn. Others will chime in here with details, hopefully

The Box is essentially unserviceable beyond this. Whatever parts 'might' have been avai in the past to rebuild have long-since vanished from dealer shelves.

Finally, make sure related connecting steering bits in the steering system are sound, be it ball joints, tie-rods etc. All of which can be pretty sloppy at your mileage. Easy one to check that often fails is the idler-arm bushing on the passenger side inner fender frame. This can be grasped by hand and if pulled/shaken should be solid, not flopping about. All these components and avai either OE or aftermarket such as ebay or Mazdatrix, etc.

Stu A
80GS
AZ

 

Have you looked at the idler arm on the passenger side? When I frequented the forums more that was a huge problem. I remember getting a Moog replacement for mine and it was night and day.

 

Your getting old, it feels heavier. Get used to it. I'm not kidding.

Also all your other cars have power R&P steering so night and day.