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

Steering Gearbox

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Old Sep 18, 2006 | 01:51 AM
  #1  
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Steering Gearbox

I beleive mine is a GS due to the lack of options. My steering has been loose since I got the car, 9 months ago. Well itll be time to fix it, ive had enough... I was wondering if anyone has attempted this before?? The shop manual makes it look easy.

But so did the shop manual for the Chevy Caprice Recirculating ball nut gearbox!! That was over a 2 hour job just trying to get all those ball bearings back in perfectly! Perhaps Mazda was smarter in designing theirs?

There are no posts on the topic. It looks though I could turn that 2-1/4"? nut to tighten the preload (steering wheel play)? Im wondering if theres anything to lookout for that the book does not warn about.

Perhaps Ill do a write up
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Old Sep 18, 2006 | 02:11 AM
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Here's something to get you started. Pay close attention to the post I put in there, this has been proven to be effective. Good luck.
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Old Sep 18, 2006 | 08:50 AM
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^^^^ Ok, I paid real close attention, I even put my nose right up to the screen. Somehow I am missing it. I just don't see what you are refering too. I also need to know.



Later,
Bill
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Old Sep 18, 2006 | 09:13 AM
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sorry fellas. you need to excuse kentetsu, i think he must have been very tired when he made that post. its ok, i looked up the thread and i have the link for you. check it out

https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...steering+grind
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Old Sep 18, 2006 | 09:30 AM
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lol, that's what I get for treating sleep as an optional state of being. Sorry for the lack of link. I'm glad my car knows the way home, I really need to get some shuteye! Thanks for picking up my slack aws140, that is exactly the link I meant to add.
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Old Sep 18, 2006 | 10:38 AM
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Putting a new used steering column in is always an option. Someone usually has one they are willing to part with.
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Old Sep 18, 2006 | 01:42 PM
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Hey thanks! Im assuming you all saw this one? Its like everything youd ever need to know

http://www.mazspeed.com/steeringgear.htm
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Old Sep 18, 2006 | 03:49 PM
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or...
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=576755
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Old Sep 18, 2006 | 07:29 PM
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Originally Posted by glewsRx
But why just throw money at it and hope for the best? This issue is too common to 1st gens. Chances are, any used unit you get is going to be just as bad.

The adjustment of these units is not rocket science, or I never would have been able to do it myself. My car had like 4" of play in the steering before I adjusted it. That was quite some time ago and my steering is as tight as a .... well you get the point.

Maybe Perfect Circle can vouch for this, since he drove it back from the autocross last weekend.... Just get the wrenches out and show your car who's boss.
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Old Sep 18, 2006 | 08:09 PM
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Before the steering box is adjusted, all of the other steering components must be up to spec. Otherwise you are wasting your time and risking damage to the steering sector by over adjusting.
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Old Sep 18, 2006 | 08:44 PM
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^^^^ Very true!
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Old Sep 18, 2006 | 11:22 PM
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yea, driving his car, felt like it was brand new car!! then mine...lol, which has play..alot...im going to look into adjusting it! thanks guys.
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Old Sep 18, 2006 | 11:27 PM
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I like telling other people to spend money. Its kinda like **** for me.
Besides, its just a suggestion. I know I was more confident in my ability to replace something than get in there and start messing around with things. Golly
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Old Sep 18, 2006 | 11:51 PM
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Originally Posted by glewsRx
I like telling other people to spend money. Its kinda like **** for me.
Besides, its just a suggestion. I know I was more confident in my ability to replace something than get in there and start messing around with things. Golly
lol, I understand man. The only thing is, like I said, replacing a used gear box with another used gear box might result in a whole lotta work with the same (or maybe even worse) results. A new gear box on the other hand...... would cost an arm and a leg! Better to adjust what you've already got, or if it is faulty and cannot be adjusted, then get another used one but plan on having to do the same thing to that one too (adjustment).
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Old Sep 19, 2006 | 01:05 AM
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Originally Posted by perfect_circle
yea, driving his car, felt like it was brand new car!! then mine...lol, which has play..alot...im going to look into adjusting it! thanks guys.
Thanks man. It was really strange watching my car driving along in front of me like that. I kept waiting for you to get on it, and have a little fun. But alas, you were the epitomy of the careful, responsible driver. Oh well, maybe you'll get another chance sometime soon.
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