The RX-7 has recirculating ball steering, why?

I heard that it's because Mazda thought it economical to reuse left over REPU parts.

If that's the case, Mazda REPU = Ford Courier, right?

And if THAT's the case, then I can look in RX-7's, REPU's, and Ford Couriers for a replacement steeringbox, right?

I don't know of the condition of my existing one, but from what it's been through, I dunno if I wanna attempt to rebuild it. It's way loose.

 

The REPU housing is 180* backwards to the RX-7 housing. IT won't be a simple bolt-up.

Talk about loose, mine is at least 6 inches loose. It's looser on one side than the other which is kinda odd. I think I've gotten ued to it though because I don't notice it very much these days.

In order to use rack and peanut steering you need to find a rack that sits behind the centerline of the wheels. A Fiat x1/9 rack is a good example. I think a VW Rabbit rack also could work (I've seen one in a baja which also came stock with recirc-ball).

 

Nah. I don't need rack and pinion. You weren't here for me describing my wreck.

I wrecked the car, side impact with enough force to snap the tie rod. Prior to that, I drove it on a slightly bent control arm, while I was awaiting a replacement. And Prior to that, it had no oil in it for an unknown period of time.

So, On top of an unknown ammount of wear, and the severe jostle of a wreck, I dunno how good it will be once I rebuild the car, so I'd much rather get a replacement.

Unless you know how much abuse these boxes can take. I don't even know what's inside.

I'll just take one from another 7. Maybe a power assisted box with the hose ends plugged.

 

its an rx-3 box up to mid 82

mike

 

You know, a power box with the ends plugged would be cool!

 

It's got a full turn less lock to lock, what else?

 

That's pretty much what I'm running... A power steering setup, with no belt attached

It is a bitch if you have to parallel park, but other than that it is amazingly solid feeling. there is still some float, but it is great on the track

 

Yeah, but you got the weight of the pump and all the fluid and stuff. (Like I'm one to talk. I wanna keep the A/C, power windows, and load in a stereo. Blah.)

Perhaps the steering is rough in your setup because you're forcing the fluid against the pump. Ever try looping the hose?