After 140,000 miles, my steering box doesn't seem to have enough adjustment to remove the free play I want out as well as a clicking sound from the steering box - possibly even the pitman arm which I need to look at closer (it has not been replaced). The idler arm and all rod ends (and control arms) have all been replaced. I have adjusted the sector shaft (both bearing cap and screw adjustment) but I am still not getting it to where it should be (I have had 3 of these cars, 1 from near new with 20K). If I adjust the free play at center the way I want it, it binds when turning (and no caster back to center) which to me says the sector is just flat worn out.

So this weekend (or some weekend in the next 3 months), the steering box is likely to come out (or at least be looked at much closer to see if there are bearings loose.

1) I see that Cardone 1 manufacturing from Rockauto does a rebuild - has anyone tried that? It is about $350 with a $150 core (which makes no sense since they want your steering box to rebuild).

2) Any other options beside Mazdatrix which has new ones for $1100? (which I am considering well after I exhaust other options). I know what this car is supposed to drive like, I want it that way again

3) Considering putting all new bearings in after work and sector inspections to see if I can make this better.

Scott

 

Some1 a while back did a thing about making your stock steering box have a quicker turn ratio. And it had some cool exploded view/info that would probably help you. Im pretty sure it was written by Kentsu but im not 100%. When i get home ill link it or you can try to search it im pretty sure its in the archive.

 

I had a loose box that was out of external adjustment and a Rotary shop adjusted it for me. Cost $20. I was not watching when they fixed it, but it was perfect, for a worm gear steer, when they were done. Maybe mine wasn't as bad as yours.

 

I have adjusted it several times but need to remove the pitman and sector to inspect further...

 

Will search for that - thanks much!