In my '79 RX-7 I've recently noticed that there is play in the steering column. I'm not talking about free play in the steering, and I'm not talking about in and out (as in pulling the wheel toward you as if to pull it off). I'm talking about up and down, as in toward the floor and roof. I found this thread but it seems to be talking about in and out:

https://www.rx7club.com/new-member-rx-7-technical-256/steering-shaft-play-944739/

I found a bushing from MazdaTrix on this page (they call it a "79-80 Top Column Steering Bushing")...does it slide into the outer steering column cover and keep the shaft centered in the cover? If so, I believe mine must be shot.

http://www.mazdatrix.com/hsteer1.htm

Thanks,
Rich

 

Yeah, thats a common fail point on the SA steering and chances are that is whats wrong with yours. Just remove the steering wheel, pry the old one out and the new one should go in with no problem.
Why they thought that skinny piece of plastic was enough is beyond me.. At least they put a needle bearing in there on the later boxes....

 

Thanks 82transam. I'll check out my local Mazda dealer to see if they can get it and at what price. MazdaTrix typically charges quite a bit for shipping.

Rich

 

I was just looking at my 79 tonight, wondering why the steering wheel was moving that much. I tried tightening the nut for the steering wheel but it was already very tight. I guess I need to order this steering column bushing too. The play is very irritating.

 

lol I am sensing a rush on these bushings as mine has play as well

 

LOL, the new hot item at the Mazda dealer is a bushing for a 31 year old steering column... Agreed, Mazdatrix is kinda pricy, you can probably find it cheaper elsewhere. Either way its not much money though, definatly worth changing...

 

before you replace the bushings, check to make sure the two mounting bolts that mount the column to the dash are tight. loose bolts will cause up and down play.

 

The next rush will be the plastic piece that disengages the turn signals, I sense that several are about to be broken........

 

hey some of us are getting older getting under the dash isn't what it used to be lmao

what if he went side to side?

 

I ordered mine today from mazda. The parts guy I was talking to on the phone told me that I needed two, since there are two on the column. On the parts fiche I was looking at, it looks like there is only one. Regardless, they are only $15cdn and no shipping. I should be getting them tomorrow, so we'll see.

 

Yea, that was my first thought (and hope), but no, the center shaft is moving inside the cover. The combination switch is rock solid.

Rich

 

There may be two (but I don't think so), but I'm sure it's the one at the top that's bad...on mine anyway. And I'm on a fixed income now, so another $15 is a big deal! lol

Rich

 

Yeah i'm pretty sure there is only 1, but I don't have an SA steering column to look at.

Also, rwatson makes a good point, before putting the steering wheel back on make sure the 2 plastic pins that cancel the turn signals are lined up with the holes on the wheel's hub! They break really easily (ask me how I know lol) if they aren't lined up.

 

I just installed my new bushing tonight. There is definately only 1. It made a huge difference, no up and down play at all anymore. I found out that my old bushing was apparently disintegraded though, there was nothing but tiny plastic pieces left.

For $15, it's worth replacing. It's pretty easy to install too. Just take the steering wheel off, take the combination switch off, and it's right there.

Just in case anyone needs it, the Mazda part number is 8871-49-101.

 

Yea, I just ordered mine today...should be in next week. I also ordered a shifter boot. Way overpriced at $42 but very surprised they could get me one, and mine has a hole in it.

Rich

 

I finally replaced mine today...picked a 90 degree, 75% humidity day to do it For the price I'm thinking I should buy another one to have on hand when it goes bad again in another 33 years lol. I attached a picture of what was left of it.

Rich

 

I'm confused to how to replace this bushing, because I have the same problem. Please clear this up for me, first I have to remove the steering wheel, then I have to remove the combination switch? that is my problem, I have the Haynes manual and I'm unsure on how to remove the switch. If you guys can help me this greatly help me out. Thank you.

 

I started taking pictures of the process but quit about halfway through. But I did take a picture of the retaining clip that you need to remove...it's marked with a red line in the attached picture. Then you need to remove the vent tube that runs under the steering column under the dash...there is one screw holding it on the right side. Then you need to disconnect all of the wires that connect to the combination switch. Finally, remove the four screws (2 top and 2 bottom) that hold the combination switch in place. The screw marked with the green line in the attachment is one of the top screws. It should slide right off now.

Rich

 

On the picture are the 2 bottom screws, on the left of the photo, or are there another 2 screws?

 

No...the one with the green line is the only one visible in the picture. If you can spot that one, the other one on top and the other two on the bottom should be obvious.

Rich

 

Oh, I see the one on the bottom thanks for helping me out, I should get this done pretty soon.

 

Damn I replaced mine yesterday too. I had to undo all the wiring harnesses to pop that big assembly off (not enough slack in the wires). There was really nothing solid left of the old bushing. Just a bunch of gunk to clean out. What a difference it made though.

 

This is prob a problem on all old mazdas. My 78 GLC bushing went to pieces as well. I had to fabricate one to take up the slack. Worked like a charm.