Steering Column Up and Down Play
#1
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Steering Column Up and Down Play
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
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
#2
Never Follow
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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....
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....
#3
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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....
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....
Rich
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#10
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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.
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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.
Rich
#13
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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.
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.
#14
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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.
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.
#15
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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
Rich
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.
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.
#16
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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
Rich
#17
Oldschool
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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.
#18
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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.
Rich
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Rich
#22
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.