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

Steering wheel play question.

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Old 08-05-07, 05:57 PM
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emissions r teh sux

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Steering wheel play question.

im trying to correct the play in my steering wheel. i had about 1"-1.5" of play in my steering wheel at the moment. in an effort to correct this i have replaced the idler arm ( i reccommend moog.....its a beefy and really awesome idler arm ), new ball joints, new inner and outer tie rod ends, new sway bushings. the feel improved drastically from being eternally loose ( felt like floating power steering ) to just the right amount of tension during turns, but i still have about .5" of play that i would like to get rid of. im currently sitting at about 1" of play in the steering.

the pitman arm has no play so i dont want to replace it just yet but i was wondering if there was anything i missed before i adjust the steering box. also i have a passenger control arm which i think was bent at some point in time ( my new ball joints are welded in to the old arms for fear of them falling out ) and i was wondering if this would create massive play in the steering wheel. i have some good control arms that i can use if this is the case but as the title says i would like to check all of my bases before i mess with the steering box.
Old 08-05-07, 06:20 PM
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All your base are belong to us.

Sorry, I couldn't help it.

Search for the steering gear restoration. I posted an edited (corrected) version recently. So search, noob!
Old 08-05-07, 06:50 PM
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i searched and read it before posting but i just wanted to make sure that the steering box was the problem and not the other components

this car has been a real challenge fo rme as far as the suspension because everything was pretty bad and i dont want to make it worse by fixing something that aint broke ya know?
Old 08-05-07, 06:54 PM
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I replaced the idler arm bushings on mine a few months ago. This just leaves the steering box.
Old 08-05-07, 07:31 PM
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I changed the title of your thread for 3 reasons.

1). For search purposes in the future.
2). Members will know what you are looking for before they click on the thread.
3). Big one, Look at the bottom of the page now. You will see all of the related threads that you can click on for reference. :-)
Old 08-05-07, 08:54 PM
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thx guys
Old 08-05-07, 09:07 PM
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Factory specs have steering wheel freeplay at about 1 inch, so don't go crazy and over tighten the box because it will wear down fast.
Old 08-05-07, 09:14 PM
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Im working on the same problems. All of the steering components have been replaced with the exception of the manual box. I have searched everywhere and cant seem to find a replacment. Does anyone know of a place where I can purchase a new or rebuilt unit? Thanks
Old 08-06-07, 12:02 AM
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Here you go. Check my post in this thread to see how I handled this issue. Others have followed suit with great success, but it really comes down to trial and error to get it right. Just take your time, and make small adjustments followed by test drives, followed by more adjustment as needed. I got lucky and nailed it on the first try.

https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...steering+grind
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