Steering - Solutions
Thread Starter
82, 83, 88, 82 RX-7again!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 372
Likes: 1
From: Upstate New York
Steering - Solutions
Well I know there are a lot of threads that detail how to fix the wonder steer, thought I would throw 1 more tip - check your upper strut mounts (others have mentioned)!
I put new tie rods, bushings, balljoints, adjusted my steering bearing and backlash, etc on my front end - but steering wasn't as good as new. Certainly better, but no cigar. I am going to post a picture of how I cheated to get the steering lock nut off - I backed out the adjuster and popped the top off.
Finally - the upper strut mount bearing grease was dried like concrete. I put 90w gear oil in there and this reduced a lot of the driving force. I replaced them this weekend and steering is now very smooth. Note, I bought KYB and sent them back as both of them had damaged races (pinched). I then ordered from yet another online store - they sent an email 3 days later saying they didn't have any.
So finally I went with the el cheapo ones from Rock Auto (The cheapest ones were like 40$ each) and these are fine, bearings seem decent enough quality and they weren't damaged.
I think I have 1 small tweak left in the steering backlash adjuster to take out my last 3/4" of steering slop, I am now almost back to completely new condition for this car and it is a pleasure to drive. I would suggest that just pouring gear oil in those bearings fixed about 90% of the problem and that is a good way forward.
Scott
I put new tie rods, bushings, balljoints, adjusted my steering bearing and backlash, etc on my front end - but steering wasn't as good as new. Certainly better, but no cigar. I am going to post a picture of how I cheated to get the steering lock nut off - I backed out the adjuster and popped the top off.
Finally - the upper strut mount bearing grease was dried like concrete. I put 90w gear oil in there and this reduced a lot of the driving force. I replaced them this weekend and steering is now very smooth. Note, I bought KYB and sent them back as both of them had damaged races (pinched). I then ordered from yet another online store - they sent an email 3 days later saying they didn't have any.
So finally I went with the el cheapo ones from Rock Auto (The cheapest ones were like 40$ each) and these are fine, bearings seem decent enough quality and they weren't damaged.
I think I have 1 small tweak left in the steering backlash adjuster to take out my last 3/4" of steering slop, I am now almost back to completely new condition for this car and it is a pleasure to drive. I would suggest that just pouring gear oil in those bearings fixed about 90% of the problem and that is a good way forward.
Scott
Thread Starter
82, 83, 88, 82 RX-7again!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 372
Likes: 1
From: Upstate New York
And the steering is now near zero backlash, not quite rack and pinion - never will be but no measurable slop (was 3/4")... As the original owner of a 1 year old 82 Mazda purchased in 83, I can now say this car is back to original performance. In fact, this has a little more power as the cat is apparently empty and the power diff is noticeable. Now for some new rear springs...
Too old to act my age
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,164
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa, Ok.
The strut mount bearings are often overlooked, but critical for smooth operation of the steering. 90W isn't the best lube for them, but far better than old dried out, dust filled grease.
Some styles of strut mounts can be repacked with fresh grease, while others cannot.
Some styles of strut mounts can be repacked with fresh grease, while others cannot.
Thread Starter
82, 83, 88, 82 RX-7again!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 372
Likes: 1
From: Upstate New York
The strut mount bearings are often overlooked, but critical for smooth operation of the steering. 90W isn't the best lube for them, but far better than old dried out, dust filled grease.
Some styles of strut mounts can be repacked with fresh grease, while others cannot.
Some styles of strut mounts can be repacked with fresh grease, while others cannot.
Scott
Thread Starter
82, 83, 88, 82 RX-7again!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 372
Likes: 1
From: Upstate New York
Too old to act my age
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,164
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa, Ok.
Yeah, I am going to be installing coilovers shortly, and since the budget won't allow for camber/caster plates right now, I'll be repacking mine. They will suffice for a while longer.
Usually, you can tell if they can be repacked with grease by looking at them from above. That normally entails removing the snap-in cap that covers the strut top nut. That cap is often tossed when new struts are installed, and this leads to dust/dirt/water and other crud getting to the bearings. The caps don't keep out 100% of the crud, but sure cuts down on what can get in there.
Of course, repacking them requires complete disassembly of the strut unit, so it's a good idea to check them before beginning strut or spring replacement, and repack/replace as needed during the strut/spring replacement.
Usually, you can tell if they can be repacked with grease by looking at them from above. That normally entails removing the snap-in cap that covers the strut top nut. That cap is often tossed when new struts are installed, and this leads to dust/dirt/water and other crud getting to the bearings. The caps don't keep out 100% of the crud, but sure cuts down on what can get in there.
Of course, repacking them requires complete disassembly of the strut unit, so it's a good idea to check them before beginning strut or spring replacement, and repack/replace as needed during the strut/spring replacement.
