Where to find new steering rack for Gen. II?
 

I need a 2nd gen. manual steering rack and steering linkage shaft for my project. Anyone know where I can buy something like this new? I've never shopped for 2nd gen. parts before. :)

The rack is FB01-32-110C. Email mike@gonesilent.com, he can get you additional info and pricing for you.

Thanks!

what in the hell are you making now

Jim:

Since you save everyone else money, maybe I can do the same for you. :p:

I ordered a new manual steering rack (fresh reman.) from www.mazdasurplus.com for $35. It's listed for '86 - '88, but it fits in my '90 just fine. Not like that last bit of info will help you, though.

Mazdasurplus charges a $50 fee if your order is less than $2k, but still a great deal for a brand new rack! One caveat - it doesn't come with tie rod ends, so you might swap out your 3rd gen's tie rod ends (if the threads match up).

Regards,
Shawn

Is it all pretty and new looking as delivered? :)

To answer Cash Money's question, there are some questions about the strength of the 3rd gen. power rack when power assist is removed and the rack is converted to "manual" use with a recirculation hose. The last thing I want to do is find out that this is true at or over 200 mph... :)

Jim,
If you don't get it elsewhere, I have a manual rack here, for sale. It won't be $35 though, more like the usual market value for a working used unit, about $100.
Mike

This the one?

Part no. 15862R RACK & PINION (No Tie Rods) Mazda 1986-88 RX7

Jim,

Make sure to jump in on our group buy at Mazdasurplus that is going on. We are dividing the $50 fee evenly over all the members. So, less for you to pay in the long run.

Thread is around the 2nd Gen forum somewhere.

Yes, this is the part - The rack looked better than new when it arrived!! The boots were brand new, the sticker was brand new, the thing looked perfect!! The two bolt mounts and rubber isolators are already on the rack, as well. Keep in mind it's not a Mazda brand part, rather a reman. unit. By far and away it's a steal @ $85 ($35 for part + $50 fee)


Maybe even polish the steering gear housing before installing??? :p:

See: http://www.iluvmyrx7.com/Technical_I...ing_system.pdf

It's part# 4 on page 3, minus the rod ends.



Regards,
Shawn

I need part #3 from that page, also. The "intermediate shaft". I Haven't found that part in their list, though.

which part do you need?

http://www.2751engineering.com/rackdiag.jpg

what's the mater? can't fit a chevy one in there :p:

Jim,

The "speed" of the steering will be significantly reduced with the second gen manual rack when compared to the third gen. The 2nd gen manual has a significantly higher steering ratio. It will require less effort to turn, but one has to turn it more to move the wheels the same amount.

I don't remember the exact numbers but the steering ratio of the 2nd gen power steering is higher than the 3rd gen power steering. The steering ratio of the 2nd gen manual rack is higher than the 2nd gen power steering(This makes mechanical sense).

I am not sure if the steering ratio would be affected by adapting the 2nd gen manual rack to the third gen but as a fan of road racing, I have a feeling that I would dislike not having the fast steering of the third gen. It may not matter as much to you since you are more into straight lines.

Ed

PS Let us know how the steering response is if you do switch to a second gen manual rack.

Looks like 32-090B is the intermediate shaft Jim was referring to.

Jim: do you know the 2nd and 3rd gen i-shafts to be different sizes?
I was thinking the 2nd gen rack would drop right in to a [3].


Shawn

I believe the overall reach of the rack is different. Not sure about the mounting.

I was told that the 2nd gen. intermediate shaft would require a little Dremel work (one spline removed) to fit into the steering column linkage of the 3rd gen. but that it was required to fit the 2nd gen. steering rack.

I found this information after a short search...

1986-1987

Manual steering ratio: 20.3:1
Turns (lock to lock): 3.5
Turning circle: 32.2 feet

Power steering ratio 15.2:1
Turns (lock to lock): 2.7
Turning circle: 32.2 feet

1988

Power steering ratio 15.2:1
Turns (lock to lock): 2.7
Turning circle: 32.2 feet

1989-1990

Power steering ratio 15.2:1
Turns (lock to lock): 2.7
Turning circle: 32.2 feet

Power steering ratio 17.2:1 (GTU)
Turns (lock to lock): 3.09 (GTU)
Turning circle: 32.2 feet

1991

Power steering ratio 17.4:1
Turns (lock to lock): 3.09
Turning circle: 32.2 feet

Power steering ratio 15.2:1 (Turbo)
Turns (lock to lock): 2.7 (Turbo)
Turning circle: 32.2 feet

1993-1995

Power steering ratio: 15.0:1
Turns (lock to lock): 2.9
Turning circle: 35.4 feet

oh wow, great info jim, thanks

Jesus, 20.3:1??!! I'll be leaving my power rack in, thank you :)

drive my car. Trust me, youll change your mind.

I drove a manual steering FC, but it was a POS SE model, I was too busy worrying about it falling apart to bother with steering feel (not to mention the fact it had 185/70/14s on it)..... :)

For the 3rd gen. it's only 0.6 of a turn farther lock to lock (3.5 - 2.9), so about 0.3 of a turn in either direction from dead center, unless I'm way off base. That ain't shit. :)

I am not sure if you can compare the number of turns for lock to lock of a second gen to the third gen unless other components of the steering system(i.e. length of steering knuckle) is the same or very similar in dimensions.:confused:

For the second gen, the difference between power and manual rack in terms of turns for lock to lock is (3.5-2.7) 0.8 which I think is significant.:eek:

Cymfc3s feels that it is not significant but I think that only back to back testing between a manual and power steering car will elucidate this.

Anyhow, I think that even if it is only 0.3 increase turn in either direction, this would be quite significant in fast steering situations such as in negotiating through a slalom.

But only further testing will give us the real answers in terms of subjective as well as objective data in regards to the performance feel and interchangeability of steering components between 2nd and third gen.

Please let us know how this goes.:)

Well, the rack is cheap enough that I'll give it a try and see how much difference it actually makes. I was told that with the FD tie rod ends, that it bolted right into place, so we'll see.

I do know that Dewain Thomas and friends used a 2nd gen. steering rack on their track-only FD. I have to assume that if they chose to do this, that there A) must have been some good reason, and B) they found that it worked more than adequately. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to reach Dewain to confirm that.

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