1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

eep!! Steering wheel locked while making a low speed turn in a parking lot

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Old 08-27-04, 10:11 PM
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eep!! Steering wheel locked while making a low speed turn in a parking lot

I just put on a new steering wheel tonight and I'm afriad I screwed it up. I haven't been able to reproduce the problem though. Once stopped I was able to jerk it free. It was like it was caught on something. Any ideas???
Old 08-27-04, 10:23 PM
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check your steering box fluid. this happened to me when my box leaked all the oil out of it. I was making a real slow speed turn and the wheel just locked up and I was eventually able to break it free. But yeah, there is a little plastic screw on the top of your steering box for you to add fluid into (75W90) just make sure its all the way full. Does your steering feel kinda notchy as well?
Old 08-27-04, 10:41 PM
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Originally Posted by hornbm
check your steering box fluid. this happened to me when my box leaked all the oil out of it. I was making a real slow speed turn and the wheel just locked up and I was eventually able to break it free. But yeah, there is a little plastic screw on the top of your steering box for you to add fluid into (75W90) just make sure its all the way full. Does your steering feel kinda notchy as well?
Yup! As a matter of fact it does. I've got power steering....and on the steering box there's a nut near the side and a screw on the top. Is there a quick way to tighten it all up while I'm at it?
Old 08-27-04, 10:51 PM
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is this a problem for Rx-7's with power steering only?...because i dont have power sterring on my 82'
Old 08-27-04, 10:57 PM
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I have a manual steering box, but if it feels notchy... youve deffinately got a fluid problem.

I've never seen a power box on a first gen before, so I dont know what to tell you other than the box is starving for fluid. If you can find a way to top it off, somehow thats what you gotta do. Most of my friends that have power boxes, just looped the fluid line and ran it like a manual box.


Are you refering to a quick way to get the slop out of the steering? There is a way, and I looked over the proceedure, but it seems like it would take a little bit.

EDIT: this does not apply to rx7s with power steering only, I have manual steering and this happened to me. If you have manual steering check the fluid level by removing the white plastic screw and top off the fluid

Last edited by hornbm; 08-27-04 at 10:59 PM.
Old 08-27-04, 11:06 PM
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What do you mean "looped it." I'd love to ditch the power steering.
Old 08-27-04, 11:33 PM
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Originally Posted by blackbirdzach
What do you mean "looped it." I'd love to ditch the power steering.
You have two hoses on the steering box... One in from the pump and one out to the resivour... Just loop the in to the out hose and remove the pump and resivour.
Old 08-27-04, 11:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Pele
You have two hoses on the steering box... One in from the pump and one out to the resivour... Just loop the in to the out hose and remove the pump and resivour.
BRILLIANT!!! I'd get laid if I was as brite as you!
Old 08-28-04, 12:28 AM
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Originally Posted by blackbirdzach
BRILLIANT!!! I'd get laid if I was as brite as you!
Not really... Still workin on that one...
Old 08-28-04, 02:35 AM
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Old 08-28-04, 10:04 AM
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Originally Posted by Pele
Not really... Still workin on that one...


And anyway... I should check my fluid now, was having issues earlier with steering.

~Sup
Old 08-28-04, 10:12 AM
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Ok so i have a manual steering box on my 82' RX....what kind of fluid do i use to top it off.....and how do i top it off again..what cover do i remove?...(again im new to this rotary scene)
Old 08-28-04, 11:36 AM
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Originally Posted by Onlyonthurs
Ok so i have a manual steering box on my 82' RX....what kind of fluid do i use to top it off.....and how do i top it off again..what cover do i remove?...(again im new to this rotary scene)
I don't know, I can't find it either.
Old 08-28-04, 04:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Onlyonthurs
Ok so i have a manual steering box on my 82' RX....what kind of fluid do i use to top it off.....and how do i top it off again..what cover do i remove?...(again im new to this rotary scene)

HMMM where on earth could you find this information... its very very hard to come by you know... mabey if you.... READ THIS WHOLE THREAD!!!!



.....n00bs.....
Old 08-28-04, 05:15 PM
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Ok ok i get im new at this rotary stuff...but question...for the fluid for the sterring box (75W90)...can i use another fluid or thats the only one??
Old 08-28-04, 05:28 PM
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What fluid did you have in mind? Im sure other fluids will WORK, but not as well... hell mabey some work better. LOL when I had to fill mine I filled it with redline synthetic 75W90. At 8 bucks a quart, I just had to cover my eyes and watch my money ooze out of that bottle.

But yeah it turned like butter after that!
Old 08-28-04, 08:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Onlyonthurs
Ok ok i get im new at this rotary stuff...but question...for the fluid for the sterring box (75W90)...can i use another fluid or thats the only one??
75w90 as in Gear oil... As in same **** you put in the tranny and rear end.

As in that god awful stinky ****. (Take a breath mint or chew gum, the vapors leave a nasty taste in your mouth.)
Old 08-28-04, 09:12 PM
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WOW that is some stinky *** ****...lol...but at least my steering wheel feels SOOOO much better thanks fellas for the info!




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