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

Way too much play (5 inches in wheel)

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Old Oct 18, 2006 | 11:11 AM
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Itsdaveonline's Avatar
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Way too much play (5 inches in wheel)

The play is very dangerous, where can i adjust this on steering box??? I heard that this is a 1 time fix but i am positive that it has never been ajusted. Can some one take a pic or give me some detailed explinations!

Thanks!
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Old Oct 18, 2006 | 11:24 AM
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Read through this thread. It does a pretty good job of explaining the process. 2 things to remember though; only adjust it in very small increments, and it WILL increase wear.
Good luck
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...+box+adjusting
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Old Oct 18, 2006 | 01:12 PM
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Yeah the car is not used much these days, its just sits in the garage, ride of choice is the newer car for obvious reasons.

Thanks for the reply!
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Old Oct 18, 2006 | 06:07 PM
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Before adjusting the steering sector, the rest of the steering components MUST be up to spec. Otherwise you stand a good chance of over adjusting the sector trying to make up for play in the rest of the system.
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Old Oct 18, 2006 | 07:41 PM
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Give your idler arm a check. If the bushings are worn out it will cause play in the steering wheel. It's pretty common for those bushings to fail. It's not an expensive fix, so start there and with the other steering components like trochoid said before attempting to adjust the steering sector.
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Old Oct 18, 2006 | 11:35 PM
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ive never heard of a steering box being responsable for 5 inches of wheel play, my money is on the idler (both of my 7's were litterally missing the bushing in their idlers when i bought em)
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Old Oct 19, 2006 | 12:44 AM
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steering box could just be shot, mine was. Replaced everything under the car, still had about 4" of play replaced the box now i have about a 1/4" of play, very tight and responsive. Cost about $300 for labor b/c I didn't have the tools
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Old Oct 20, 2006 | 10:15 AM
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Well i was just guessing but the play is some where in that ball park,

What exactly should i look at and what tools will it require? Any parts that i may need?
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Old Oct 20, 2006 | 11:29 AM
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you will need a new steering box...and a huge *** wrench...easiest if the engine is out of the car, but can be done with it in. Honestly I couldn't do it with my common hand tools and plumbing tools (need a pipe wrench I think) Its a lot of work, and was more difficult (in my mind) than pulling the engine.
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