I know it's not called a rack but for sake of simplicity please let's just call it that.

Anyways, I've noticed that when I lift one side of the front end up I can move the wheel left to right horizontally <--> about an inch or two, I feel like this is normal but I'm not sure, the whole assembly moves all the way to the box.

Is this something worn out or is it to compensate for bumps and hops while driving?

 

something is worn out. check the wheel bearing, and then the tension rods

the manual is here Foxed.ca - Mazda RX-7 Manuals

 

To check wheel bearings, put one hand on the wheels at 12 o'clock and the other at 6 o'clock and see how much movement it has. It should not have any.

Putting your hands at 9 and 3 should tell you if there is a bushing or steering component worn out. With your hands at 9 and 3, you will be able to move it, but it shouldn't feel sloppy or clunk.

 

It's not a wheel bearing or any hub related issue, They are new and repacked.

If I put my hands on 9 and 3 the wheel and pull side to side, the steering linkage moves, even with the other wheel on the ground.

 

Idler arm bushings would be my first guess.

 

Thank you, will check that!

 

That was it, totally toast, nothing left at all.

Thanks/Thread.

 

Get the Moog unit if you haven't already ordered a replacement, it's a very nice piece. Rockauto.

 

I just bought replacement bushings (rockauto), I hope that's all I'll need.

 

Idler arm(rack) bushings should fix your issue, takes 15min tops. Hardest part really is taking out the tools. The moog replacement unit is a beefier high performance part, nice but, not nessacery.

 

Since you're planning to run headers, the bushings will be a limited fix. The high heat of headers tends to melt the idler arm bushings faster than normal so your options are the Moog unit, which is pretty indestructible, or a good heat shield.

 

I'll probably end up getting the moog unit one day for the reason that it's beefier in general, can't hurt.

Bushings are $4 a piece so I can't complain.