As some of you may know I've owned a 91 RX7 in the past, and I'm looking to trade my pickup in for another sports car. To make a long story short I'm looking for a first generation car this time, preferably an 85 GSL-SE. Well, I found one in the paper the other day, and took a look at it last night. This is what I found: the body is pretty good with no rust, the paint is a little faded, the interior is all original, it has 131k miles, everything seems to work ok.

My question is this, when I took it for a test drive I immediately (SP?) noticed that the steering was broken. Well, not broken, but there was an excessive amount of play in the steering on center. It was like I was driving an old Chevy truck. You could could turn the wheel a degree or two before it would actually start turning the front wheels. The car also has no power steering. I thought the GSL-SEs came with power steering, am I wrong? I'm thinking the steering rack is either shot, or maybe there is a loose bushing somewhere. Do any of you have a clue as to what might be causing this? I know the steering in an RX7 shouldnt feel this way, any suggestions?

 

Idler arm bushings were / are a common problem. Pretty easy to see / feel, ANY play=bad, easy fix. Some play in steering box can be adjusted out. Not sure about SE spec.

 

Thanks for the reply, I was hoping it was something simple. Do you know how much a set of new bushings might cost me?

 

I bought an 85se a month ago and I also noticed may be about 1" of play with the steering. I since discovered that both outter tie-rods' rubber boots were torn. I replaced both outter tie-rods and now the steering is a lot better. I was also looking into replacing the idler arm bushings but they were still good. A set of idler arm bushings shoud be around $12-$15. Goodluck


Jeff

 

Power steering came as an option in the SE. Freeplay in the steering is not uncommon with 1st gens.

 

Someone here had a website with instructions on how to get rid of the freeplay, I just can't find it.

 

Good old Mazspeed

http://www.mazspeed.com/steeringgear.htm

 

The steering mod is a MUST for owners of these cars. BobRx of Mazspeed is really pretty good at helping you with any questions you may have.

Front suspension upgrades (new items) will only do so much for your steering. Almost all the freeplay you're experiencing is coming from a "somewhat" worn steering box.

I can't recommend this adjustment enough!

jeryj

 

Thanks for the replies everybody! It seems like there's a lot of more to this steering problem than I thought. The guy said he'd sell the car to me for no less than $1500, but I'm not sure it'll be worth it at that price. I think I'd be better off paying the same amount or a little more for a car in better shape. I've been thinking a Miata, or Nissan 240 would be a better way to go, as both cars have the RWD I want, plus the added benefit of modern engineering. I'll see if he'll sell the car for less than $1500, if not I think I'll wait and see what else I can find.

 

If the car really is in pretty good shape, even with the steering problem it would be worth more than $1500 here in the midwest. I would concider looking at it again.

 

yea $1500 isn't horrible for a descent car, but I'd try to talk him down a hundred or so.

 

I bought my garage kept, original owner, not recked, good paint, GSL-SE last april for $300!!! Rare find though so don't base your experience off of mine. I didn't like the steering either so I replaced the entire linkage/tie rod end system with new parts from Victoria British Ltd. for about $150 total. Still has a lot of play but that is common with that type of steering system. Mine doesn't have power steering either although my friends does. My 2nd gen steering is very tight. Just get over it and realize it is a 1st gen!!!

 

wonder steering is the proper term. the steering gear adjustment shold help a ton. i would also not back out so quickily. 1500 is not bad for an se if your only complaint is steering and that can be rather easily remedied.

 

Thanks for your interest Hammer Man. The car has been sold.

"east coast thing"

 

One degree or two is in spec. Factory spec for freeplay is .2 to .8" in either direction measured at the wheel rim. You don't want the steering tight because it wears the box out really fast.