Got the steering linkage together and took her around the block... First time she's moved for about two months.. I was so happy to get her on the road again. One problem however, not that it wasn't expected. The steering feels like ***. It's all loose and the car pulls randomly side to side, even if I hold the steering wheel tightly.

Because I replaced a tie rod and control arm, I know I'm due in for a front end alignment, so that's part of it.

My major concern is, my collision was a side collision, strong enough to snap the center stud section of the tie rod like a twig. Could I have damaged the steering gear box? The center steering link rod did not appear to be bent, nor did the tension rod or sway bar, although my control arm was twisted to all hell.

If my gearbox is damaged, where can I get a quality rebuilt one or a rebuild kit? Even if I need to pull one from a junker, I'd like to rebuild it. I have manual steering. (Possible switching to a power box, minus the pump in the future.)

 

I dont really think rebuilding them is an option due to the lack of actual parts in it... I think the whole thing just wears out and than its time for a new one... mazdatrix sells it but its $500+

 

You can do your own ballpark front end alignment with a measuring tape. Try that first. It may be waaaay out of alignment.

 

Hey Pancho,

Have you ever replaced the idler arm bushing...The nylon/plastic one mounted to the frame near the hot exhaust header. When I picked up my GSL it was all over the place, and the first thing I did was to replace that bushing.

Tip of the Stetson,
Denny, from the old corncrib...

 

BobRX7 did a writeup on tightening the steering gear resto at
http://www.mazspeed.com/steeringgear.htm

I never tried this, but my symptons were similar to yours and I bet this would help.

 

Idler arm feels tight. I can't move it at all independantly of the central link.

How do I adjust the toe? Loosten the locknuts on the studs in the tie rods and just turn?

 

Yep, then take a measurements on the front wheels front to rear to see how far out you are front to rear.
If you messed with the tension rod, you may also want to take a measurement from the rear wheel to the front wheel, both sides, to see if you have the tension rods lined up correctly.
If you have a Haynes (blue) manual see chapter 11.