I have read like 36 threads on this, but I can't find one that tells exactly how to do it. I have to convert my power steering rack to a manual, and before I go outside and start this project, I was wondering what all needs to be done, taken off, and replaced. I haven't really looked, and I am sure I can figure it out, but I would like to know what needs to be done before I go do it. It is a 1988 Turbo II if that matters any. And today I am just taking it off, as I haven't got the manual rack yet. Thanks guys.

 

2nd gen archives.

https://www.rx7club.com/2nd-gen-archive-72/how-de-power-your-steering-rack-right-way-440198/

Ryosuke

 

Well that kind of tells some things. Thanks, but not exactly what I was looking for.

 

are you 1) removing your power rack and installing a manual rack?

OR

are you 2) converting your power rack to a manual rack?

1) this is easy. you need the manual rack and the brackets that hold it down to the subframe, these are different from the power rack brackets. you can use all of the same nuts, bolts, tierod ends and steering shaft parts. the inner tie rods are different between the manual and power rack, be aware of that if you plan to buy INNER tie rods.

2) I routed all three hoses from my power rack into a catchcan, more like a dump can. this worked well and didnt create pressure in the rack from capping off anything like some people have done. but there is another way if you have plenty of time, you can remove internal parts within the power rack and plug or crimp the hoses on the rack to literally convert it to a manual rack that will maintain the faster ratio of the power rack. there is a site online with a miata or rx7 rack being converted but it is a one day project I would think.

I like the manual rack in my V8 powered FC for the extra clearance it provides under the oilpan

 

I am removing the power rack and going with a manual also for the same reason as you. I need the clearance for the oilpan for my LS1. And thanks a lot for the help.

 

how does the dump can work? do you just keep refilling it with the fluid it dumps out? converting the power rack to manual sounds really good especially keeping the faster ratio. do you have the site bookmarked?

 

When I went from power to manual, I used the original power brackets for the subframe, they worked for me.

It was straightforward, and I also did it for the Ellis Juan.

 

So the power brackets work?

 

I just found a manual rack as a junkyard, but no brackets...

 

Anyone know really fast? If not then I need some brackets for the manual rack... Wonder where I can get those...

 

the dump can was just that, any fluid that wasnt drained out of the rack was squirted into the can under full lock and there it sat. I didnt know if there should be fluid in the can or not , like enough to keep a lot in the rack for lubrication but I didnt keep it full, and I just used hose clamps to clamp some rubber hose onto the hardlines out of the steering rack on the driver side so the hoses to the pump were routed to the can instead. no need to retaint he super beefy lines when there is no pressure in the system.

I think the pass. side manual rack bracket is smaller than the power rack bracket because the manual rack is a thinner diameter where that brakcet goes over it.

 

i thought the manuals had the faster rack in them, guess i was wrong

 

Well for me everything fit using the original brackets when converting to Power.

Owen, I had a tough time with the passenger side bracket to start the threads, but I loosened all the bolts on the driver's side to start threading the passenger side. Everything fit nicely and tight.

 

Thanks. I have the power rack almost off, and I will see if the manual brackets work.

 

the question is are the mounting brackets different between the two different power racks?

 

Still don't know yet.

 

i was able to use the same ones when swapping from manual to power steering, and the manual rack has a super huge totally lame 4782743429:1 ratio that i would only recommend for drag racing where only weight matters.

 

im doign the swap right now, my bracket on the pass. side is too big now, because the manual rack is narrower. i need to find these brackets asap, but i am either dumb or victoriabritish doesnt carry mazda parts anymore, if they do how do i order them.

 

btw, im thinking about finding some random *** rubber to wrap around the rack. is this legit?

 

anyone know where to find manual rack pass. side brackets? in desperate need